Gov't Releases Sh9.6 Billion Monthly Stipend for Kenyans Aged 70 and Above

Elderly citizens of above 70 years are set to receive a monthly stipend after the government released Sh9.6 billion towards the cash transfer program.

1.1 million Kenyans including the needy, vulnerable, those living with severe disabilities and orphans will benefit from the fund.

Principal Secretary for Social Protection, Pensions and Senior Citizens Nelson Marwa said disbursements have been made to all payment points.

So far 460,473 senior citizen receive funds under the Inua Jamii payment program and more will be enrolled in coming months.

The program was launched by President Kenyatta to help older citizens live in dignity and afford some level of financial independence.

Each elderly person registered under the program will get a Sh4,000 stipend every two months, translating to Sh2,000 per month.

Last year, President Uhuru announced the government would expand the existing Older Persons Cash Transfer into a more inclusive programme. This led to registration of 523,129 new beneficiaries between July and August last year by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.

Four Payment Service Providers including Equity Bank, Post Bank, Co-operative Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank were recruited to ensure transparency in the program.