Uhuru Announces Weekly Stipend for Poor Kenyan Families

Needy Kenyan families are set to receive a weekly stipend from the government to cushion them against the financial effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Addressing the nation on Thursday, President Uhuru said his administration has begun the process of identifying vulnerable families that will benefit from the program.

He said some poor families scouted last week have already received a week’s support stipend as the identification process continues.

“Needy families have been identified and will receive a weekly stipend starting with those in Nairobi to ease the harsh effects of Covid-19 on them,” said Uhuru without revealing the criteria used to identify the beneficiaries. 

“We will continue to provide necessary facilities to the people who have been affected with the pandemic,” Uhuru said.

In addition, Uhuru said Sh8.5 billion has been released under the cash transfer program for senior citizens and Sh500 million to people living with disabilities. "We love and respect our elderly... our grandmother and grandfathers. They are so vulnerable to this disease, so it's important that each does the right thing by doing as our medical experts advise," he noted.

Uhuru also directed the Treasury and the Health Ministry to establish a welfare package fund to cushion Kenyan healthcare workers.

Kenya confirmed nine additional cases of Covid-19 on Thursday, raising the total number of infections in the country to 234.

Uhuru also announced the passing of one more patient, bringing the total number of deaths arising from infection to 11. The total number of recoveries stands at 53. "Coronavirus is not a respecter of age or race... There are many who are taking this disease lightly. It is everyone's responsibility to take care to ensure this disease does not destroy us,” said Uhuru.