Ngong: Inua Jamii beneficiaries in Ngong, Kajiado North constituency have lauded the government for ensuring they can access their funds in an easy, fast and convenient way.
According to Kenya News Agency, the elderly persons expressed their gratitude while addressing the media in Ngong, noting that the introduction of the E-Citizen platform has significantly reduced their transportation expenses previously incurred to visit banks. Ann Njoki, one of the beneficiaries, highlighted the convenience, stating, “We used to travel for long distances to access the banks in addition to spending the money on transport but we thank the government for introducing E-Citizen which makes access to funds easier as MPESA agents are everywhere.”
Another beneficiary, Agnes Maina, shared her relief, explaining that her health complications had previously made it difficult to travel long distances to the bank, forcing her to rely on a caregiver. The new system has now made accessing her funds much easier.
Principal Secretary for Social Protection Joseph Motari, during his spot checks in Ngong to oversee the ongoing Inua Jamii cash transfer payments, reiterated the benefits of the new payment method. He stated, “The president, Dr. William Ruto directed us to ensure that the elderly are paid through their mobile phones. In some cases, the elderly used the 1,000 shillings for transport thus remaining with only 1,000 shillings and that is why the president said that they be paid via MPESA and E-Citizen platforms.”
He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the seamless disbursement of cash transfers, thereby enhancing the well-being of vulnerable citizens. Earlier this week, the State Department for Social Protection disbursed Sh 3.52 billion to 1,760,074 beneficiaries under the Inua Jamii programme for the January 2025 payment cycle. Payments commenced on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, with each beneficiary receiving Sh 2,000.
The transition of Inua Jamii payments from bank accounts to MPESA agents via the E-Citizen platform aims to enhance service delivery. This move was necessary to make the payments closer, easier, and faster through the extensive network of MPESA agents. Beneficiaries or caregivers can visit any MPESA agent with their national ID to withdraw the full amount without transaction charges or transfer the funds to their MPESA wallets for flexible use.
Those without registered Safaricom lines are required to purchase one, have it registered with their Identity Cards, and activate MPESA. While MPESA agents typically do not register lines for individuals aged 60 and above, Safaricom has made an exception for Inua Jamii beneficiaries or caregivers whose Identity cards have been validated by Safaricom.