Rigathi Gachagua, who serves as Deputy President of Kenya, has announced that Sh16.73 billion will now be available for the Inua Jamii Programme.
According to Gachagua, the funds will be utilised to provide payments to more than one million scheme users who have enlisted in the initiative.
“We stand firm regarding our dedication to support the most underprivileged members of society,” he said.
In addition, the DP said that a top-up payment of about Sh11.2 million would be made to participants of the complementary Nutrition Improvement through Cash and Health Education (NICHE) scheme.
According to Gachagua, the scheme gives a bi-monthly stipend to participants to cushion them from the effects of poverty and vulnerability and improve their livelihoods.
The proceeds will be deposited in the coffers of 1,072,226 Inua Jamii beneficiaries,” he stated earlier.
“Every single recipient will get 16,000 shillings throughout four payment cycles. Every single one of Kenya’s citizens has the right to lead a life worthy of respect.”
This follows concerns expressed about the fund’s tardy payments, with the Department of Social Protection claiming that the National Treasury’s transfer procedures were to blame. This news comes after concerns were raised.
Reduced funding was allocated for vulnerable populations in the fiscal year 2023–2024 budget, including the elderly, orphans, fragile children, individuals living with impairments, and other vulnerable groups.
In comparison to the 39.5 billion shillings that were allotted for this purpose in the fiscal year 2022–23, the Kenyan government has budgeted just 38.2 billion shillings for the protection of vulnerable groups.