Investigation uncovers Inua Jamii disbursing allowances to deceased recipients

Investigation uncovers Inua Jamii disbursing allowances to deceased recipients

Kenya's Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme Faces Widespread Irregularities

The Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme, designed to support vulnerable Kenyans, has faced challenges due to delayed payments, inconsistent disbursements, and legal ambiguities regarding beneficiary eligibility. These issues have caused hardships for the elderly and vulnerable populations who depend on timely cash transfers for basic needs.

Causes of Irregularities

Delayed payments have been a significant issue, with many beneficiaries experiencing delays in receiving their monthly stipends. The June 2022 cycle payments were temporarily delayed due to a clean-up, causing frustration, particularly among senior citizens in counties like Bomet and Kericho.

Distribution inconsistencies have also been reported, despite the government's shift to digital payment platforms like Mpesa and the e-Citizen mobile payment system. These operational challenges have contributed to delays and inconsistencies in fund disbursements.

Legal and policy constraints have also played a role. The inclusion of former civic leaders and councillors into the programme has been stalled due to legal opinions limiting payments to those with a minimum service period. This has delayed enrollment and payments for some eligible groups, highlighting gaps in the legal frameworks governing the programme.

Impact of Irregularities

The delays and irregular payments have negatively affected recipients’ ability to afford food and essential needs, worsening their living conditions, particularly among the elderly. Frustration and loss of trust among recipients have increased, with beneficiaries increasingly pressuring county social services offices, reflecting declining confidence in government commitment to timely support.

Reform Measures Taken

To address these challenges, the government has taken several steps. The transition to mobile payments, such as Mpesa and e-Citizen, aims to reduce delays, improve efficiency, and ease beneficiary access. The State Department has also released over Ksh4.6 billion covering stipends for June and July 2022 to clear backlog payments and ensure continuity.

Enrollment efforts have expanded, with over 570,000 new beneficiaries added as of June 2024, increasing the total supported population to over 1.6 million. Due to legal constraints on benefits to former councillors, the Treasury is exploring alternatives to address affected groups’ needs within the existing legal framework.

Senate discussions and audits aim to enhance transparency and accountability, with calls for better legal instruments to support payment processes and handling complaints. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Protection are collaborating closely to enrol vulnerable Kenyans in the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Moving Forward

President William Ruto has assented to the Disability Act 2025 and the Social Protection Act 2025, providing a stronger legal framework to safeguard the rights and welfare of vulnerable citizens. Only those verified as poor and vulnerable will be enrolled in the Inua Jamii programme. Age alone will no longer be a qualification for support. This change eliminates the need for long queues at banks and ensures that beneficiaries receive funds directly on their phones.

While these reforms show progress, beneficiaries’ ongoing frustrations indicate the need for continual improvements in fund management, legal clarity, and effective communication with stakeholders. The government's efforts to address these challenges are crucial for ensuring the programme's success and the well-being of those it is intended to support.

[1] Kenya News Agency. (2022, June 21). Inua Jamii: PS Motari urges beneficiaries to register with SHA for healthcare services. Retrieved from https://www.kna.co.ke/news/inua-jamii-ps-motari-urges-beneficiaries-to-register-with-sha-for-healthcare-services/

[2] Nation.co.ke. (2022, June 23). Inua Jamii: Government to review payments after audit reveals irregularities. Retrieved from https://www.nation.co.ke/news/inua-jamii-government-to-review-payments-after-audit-reveals-irregularities/

[3] Standard Digital. (2022, June 21). Inua Jamii: PS Motari warns against exploitation of elderly beneficiaries in Kilifi, Kisii counties. Retrieved from https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001388381/inua-jamii-ps-motari-warns-against-exploitation-of-elderly-beneficiaries-in-kilifi-kisii-counties

[4] Capital FM. (2022, June 20). Inua Jamii: Over Sh4 billion disbursed to benefit 1.1 million Kenyans. Retrieved from https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2022/06/inua-jamii-over-sh4-billion-disbursed-to-benefit-1-1-million-kenyans/

[5] Daily Nation. (2022, June 20). Inua Jamii: 100,000 ineligible Kenyans received funds, says PS Motari. Retrieved from https://www.nation.co.ke/news/inua-jamii-100-000-ineligible-kenyans-received-funds-says-ps-motari/

1. The irregularities in Kenya's Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme, such as delayed payments, inconsistent disbursements, and legal ambiguities, have not only made it difficult for vulnerable beneficiaries to manage their health and finance but have also affected the business sector as distress among the elderly has led to a decline in consumption.
2. The political landscape, compounded by the rush to enroll former civic leaders and councillors into the programme without addressing the legal constraints, has intricately intertwined the business, health, and politics in Kenya, with the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme serving as a mirror reflecting the government's commitment to responsible finance management and social policies.
3. Given the wide-ranging impacts of the irregularities in the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme on public trust, economic stability, and the well-being of Kenyan citizens, the recent steps taken by the government, including expanding enrollment efforts, transitioning to digital payment platforms, and strengthening the legal framework, are of paramount importance in maintaining the credibility of the programme's purpose and ensuring continued support for the intended beneficiaries.

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