The Government of Kenya has released Sh3.5 billion to support 1,759,656 beneficiaries enrolled in the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme. This payment covers the month of May, with each beneficiary set to receive Sh2,000.
The Inua Jamii Programme, a flagship initiative under the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, plays a critical role in Kenya’s social safety net. Its objective is to alleviate poverty and enhance the well-being of the most vulnerable groups in society, including older persons aged 70 and above, orphans and vulnerable children, as well as persons living with severe disabilities.
Principal Secretary Joseph Motari emphasized the importance of the programme, stating, “The Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme remains a cornerstone of the government’s social protection strategy.” The payments are designed to offer a consistent source of financial support to those most in need, helping them meet basic needs and improve their quality of life.
To improve service delivery and ensure faster, easier access to funds, the government is transitioning from traditional bank payments to disbursing money through M-Pesa agents via the E-Citizen platform. This innovative step, which began as a pilot in November 2024 in Murang’a and Marsabit counties, allows beneficiaries or their caregivers to withdraw funds at any M-Pesa agent using their national ID cards—without transaction charges. Alternatively, the funds can be transferred directly to their M-Pesa wallets for more flexible use. Beneficiaries access the funds by dialing *222# on their mobile phones.
The Inua Jamii Programme is managed nationally by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MLSP) and the Ministry of Devolution and ASAL (MoDA). At the grassroots level, the programme operates through County and Sub-County offices, supported by Beneficiary Welfare Committees (BWCs) in each location. Local administrators, including Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs, serve as ‘Inua Jamii ambassadors,’ regularly conducting community meetings, or ‘Barazas,’ to share vital information about the programme.
Beneficiaries are selected through an objective and transparent process to ensure that support reaches those who need it most. The government continues to streamline and expand the programme to reach more vulnerable Kenyans, reinforcing its commitment to social protection and poverty alleviation across the country.
