Inua Jamii beneficiaries given until March 10 to withdraw uncollected funds from banks

Beneficiaries receiving money disbursed through the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme. (Photo: X/Inua Jamii)

By Lucy Mumbi
Thursday, February 20, 2025

The directive comes after the government completed the transition of Inua Jamii payments from banks to the e-Citizen mobile payment platform in January 2025.

All beneficiaries of the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme have been directed to withdraw any uncollected funds from their bank accounts before March 10, 2025.

The Directorate of Social Assistance has warned that any balances left after this deadline will be reclaimed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.

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The directive comes after the government completed the transition of Inua Jamii payments from banks to the e-Citizen mobile payment platform in January 2025. The shift allows beneficiaries to receive their stipends directly on their phones via the e-Citizen M-Pesa system.

In a communication addressed to regional, county, and sub-county officers overseeing children’s services, social development, and disability services, the Directorate of Social Assistance Moses Kamau acknowledged that some beneficiaries still had uncollected funds in their bank accounts.

“To ensure a seamless transition into the new payment model, all beneficiaries are notified that they should withdraw their funds on or before March 10, 2025,” Kamau said.

He further cautioned that “after this date, all uncollected Inua Jamii funds will be reclaimed by the Ministry.”

The Ministry has requested officials at all levels to inform beneficiaries within their jurisdictions to visit their respective banks and collect any remaining funds before the deadline.

The government, through the Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizens, is currently running three cash transfer programmes: the Persons with Severe Disabilities (PWSD-CT), Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC), and Older Persons (OP-CT).

Beneficiaries of these programmes will now access their stipends via M-Pesa agents by dialling *222#. Those who already have registered Safaricom lines must ensure their M-Pesa accounts remain active, while those without an account have been advised to register at the nearest M-Pesa agent.

The Ministry of Labour directed that all beneficiaries must have a Safaricom line registered under their name, matching the details on their national ID to receive payments. They will also be required to activate their M-Pesa accounts.

Last year in June, the government launched an Enhanced Single Register through the Consolidated Cash Transfer Programme Management Information System (CCTPMIS), a World Bank-funded initiative aimed at creating a unified database of all individuals eligible for social assistance.

Under this system, orphans and vulnerable children, as well as persons with severe disabilities, will receive their stipends via M-Pesa, replacing the previous model where payments were made through bank accounts. However, older persons under the OP-CT programme will continue to receive their payments through their respective banks.

The State began disbursing Inua Jamii funds every month in 2023 to address delays that had left many beneficiaries struggling to access their stipends. Previously, recipients faced long waiting periods before receiving payments.

To qualify for the monthly Sh2,000 stipend, one must be registered under the CCTPMIS and present an Inua Jamii payment card, a national ID, and a caregiver’s national ID when making withdrawals.

President William Ruto has continuously assured that his administration remains committed to ensuring the timely disbursement of funds to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable groups. The OPCT, PWSD-CT, and CT-OVC programmes, which were introduced in September 2013, aim to support the most vulnerable members of society in meeting their basic needs.