Inua Jamii program targets 500 people in Rabai.

By Johnson Chengo

The registration exercise for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and vulnerable households in the ongoing countrywide social safety net programme dubbed Inua Jamii targets 500 people in Rabai.

Rabai Member of Parliament Kenga Mupe launched the exercise at the Mwawesa chief’s office in Rabai and said that beneficiaries will now be receiving their monthly stipend in their accounts.

“This is a very important programme initiated by the Kenya Kwanza government. I want to assure you (residents) that whoever is supposed to benefit from this program will not be locked out. I have already discussed this with your deputy county commissioner, Chiefs, sub-chiefs and all officers in charge to make sure all people falling under the categories are captured,” he said.

Mupe hailed the move terming it a big relief to hundreds of beneficiaries who initially had to wait for months before accessing the money.

He said the programme supports the most vulnerable members of the community by providing them with a stipend to cushion them from poverty and hunger and improve their livelihoods.

“I am asking members to avoid hiding those people who require support. Avail them so that they can be registered and benefit with the government money,” said Mupe.

He said the registration exercise will be carried out for 18 days at the various Wards in the Sub-County.

Inua Jamii programme is the national government’s flagship National Safety Net Programme whose objectives are to uplift the lives of the poor and the vulnerable citizens through regular monthly cash transfers.

The programme includes Cash Transfers for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Senior citizens and people with severe disabilities.

Rabai Sub-County Commissioner Ahmed Muhamud said persons with disabilities must not benefit from another government cash transfer programme except for the elderly above 70 years.

“The law under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection stipulates that severe disability is a person who requires 24-hour care and support including toiletry, feeding and protection from themselves by the caregiver,” said Muhamud.

He warned caregivers against misusing money meant to benefit the disabled.

“I want to put on notice those caregivers who were taking advantage of these funds that should directly benefit the disabilities that we are coming for you, Some cases have been reported to us and very soon will make some arrest,” he said.