Funds totaling KES 4.6 billion from the Inua Jamii program are now accessible, after prior delays by the government.
Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme Resumes After Data Clean-Up Delay
The long-awaited disbursement of the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme, which provides support to over 1.15 million elderly and severely disabled Kenyans, has finally been made after a delay in June due to a data clean-up exercise.
The government released a total of Sh4.6 billion in August 2025 to cover the delayed June and July stipends. Each beneficiary is expected to receive Sh4,000, paid in two instalments of Sh2,000 per month, starting today.
The delay was primarily due to a comprehensive data clean-up exercise conducted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. This exercise aimed to streamline the beneficiary list, remove over 100,000 ineligible recipients, and ensure payments went only to active, eligible beneficiaries.
The disbursement is being made by the state department for social protection, under the leadership of Principal Secretary Joseph Motari. The payments are now being disbursed through the e-Citizen mobile platform directly to the beneficiaries' phones via M-Pesa.
This marks a significant change from the previous bank disbursement method, which was transitioned to the e-Citizen mobile platform in January this year.
The Inua Jamii programme, which aims to alleviate poverty and promote the well-being of the vulnerable and the elderly in society, has faced challenges in the past. However, the government has remained committed to improving the programme's efficiency and integrity.
The delay in disbursement resulted in temporary financial hardship for many beneficiaries who rely on the stipends for basic needs. There were also concerns about the potential strain on dignity and well-being, as the programme aims to reduce poverty and support vulnerable groups.
However, the government has apologised for the inconvenience caused and assured that the data cleaning was necessary to improve the programme’s integrity and efficiency. The government also encouraged beneficiaries to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access affordable healthcare, linking the programme to broader social protection and Universal Health Coverage initiatives.
In conclusion, while the delay was driven by necessary administrative measures to enhance beneficiary accuracy, it caused short-term inconvenience and financial strain for vulnerable Kenyans reliant on the Inua Jamii stipends. The government's commitment to improving the programme and its willingness to address the concerns of beneficiaries is commendable.
[1] The Star, "Inua Jamii: Over Sh4.6bn released for stipends," 2025. [2] The Nation, "Inua Jamii: Government apologises for delay in stipends," 2025. [3] Citizen Digital, "Inua Jamii: Government to pay Sh4,000 to each beneficiary," 2025. [4] Daily Nation, "Inua Jamii: Over 100,000 ineligible recipients removed," 2025. [5] Standard Digital, "Inua Jamii: Data clean-up exercise delayed stipends," 2025.
- The data clean-up exercise, conducted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, was a crucial step in the politics and finance of managing the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme, ensuring that payments went only to active, eligible beneficiaries and improving the programme's efficiency and integrity in the long run.
- Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme, beyond its direct financial assistance, also aims to provide Social Health Authority (SHA) registration for beneficiaries, linking it to broader social protection and Universal Health Coverage initiatives, addressing the broader concerns of health and well-being within the business of social welfare.
