By Christopher Omondi
The Inua Jamii program is a vital social protection initiative by the Kenyan government, designed to support vulnerable groups like senior citizens, orphans, persons with disabilities, and children from extremely poor families. In Kisumu County, significant discrepancies in the program arise from inaccurate beneficiary information, including errors in identification details such as ages and ID numbers. Residents of Nyando have expressed serious concerns regarding payment amounts, frequency, and delivery.
Immediate action is necessary in Kisumu County to enhance the effectiveness of the program. This includes strengthening local committees within beneficiaries’ villages to ensure timely follow-ups and addressing issues related to registration and verification of addresses through local authorities. The Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP) is being implemented in Nyando to improve delivery systems, which are crucial for accessing vital social and economic inclusion services.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist, particularly as highlighted by residents in Ombaka, Nyando. Beneficiaries have reported alarming issues with their identification details and difficulties in updating the system when beneficiaries pass away, leading to problems such as the presence of ghost beneficiaries. Delays in payments have been exacerbated by the transition from bank deposits to mobile payments, disproportionately affecting the elderly, persons with disabilities, and orphans.
Susan Orwa, a concerned resident, emphasized, “We demand empowerment for caregivers through seminars and comprehensive training on caregiving. The most urgent issue is rampant corruption in the rollout and implementation. I provided the details of an orphan child, verified by the chief and committee, yet I have seen no benefit. Many deserving individuals are denied access due to poor planning and execution. We insist that the County Assembly committee collaborates with local committees to understand the Inua Jamii Program and that they follow up with the State Department for Social Protection.”
Recently, the national government announced the release of SHS 881 million to bolster the Inua Jamii program for vulnerable groups, which has received widespread support. However, there is concern about effective distribution at the grassroots level. As noted, “It is encouraging for the government to prioritize orphans, the elderly, and vulnerable children. Yet, the distribution process needs reform; too many intermediaries lead to misappropriation before funds reach the deserving. By the time money reaches intended recipients, it is often stolen or insufficient to make a significant impact. Immediate action is needed to enhance accountability and transparency.”
