Beneficiaries of the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme have until March 15 to withdraw any uncollected funds, or risk losing them permanently. Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs Joseph Motari has warned that any unclaimed monies will be reclaimed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection after the deadline.
This directive follows the government’s recent transition of Inua Jamii payments from banks to the e-Citizen mobile payment platform in January 2025. The move was designed to streamline the process and ensure that stipends reach beneficiaries more efficiently via the e-Citizen M-Pesa system.
“Those who have not claimed their Inua Jamii funds have five more days to do so. If they do not claim by the 15th of this month, we will assume that the person does not exist,” said Motari while speaking on KBC’s #The Shift news show on Tuesday.
Motari emphasized that the programme has undergone significant improvements since the Kenya Kwanza administration took over. He revealed that previously, the system was fraught with inefficiencies, including payments being made to deceased individuals. An assessment conducted in collaboration with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) uncovered that 194,000 deceased beneficiaries were still receiving payments, prompting necessary reforms.
“When we took over from the previous administration, we brought the EACC on board to assess and identify any existing graft loopholes. They discovered payments were being made to 194,000 deceased individuals. The programme was in shambles. We brought some sanity to it, clearing arrears of Ksh 16.7 billion in two tranches,” Motari explained.
The government has since moved towards a more structured system, with monthly payments now being made in a timely manner. A cabinet memo submitted by Motari and approved by President William Ruto ensured that the payment process adheres to a clear, consistent schedule.
Currently, the government, through the Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizens, manages three key cash transfer programmes: the Persons with Severe Disabilities (PWSD-CT), Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC), and Older Persons (OP-CT). These initiatives aim to support vulnerable members of society, ensuring they receive the financial assistance they require.
Beneficiaries are urged to withdraw their funds before the deadline to avoid losing access to the crucial support provided by the Inua Jamii programme.
