Deadline for Inua Jamii cash withdrawals extended to March 15
Initially set for March 10, the deadline extension aims to facilitate a smoother transition from bank disbursements to mobile payments.
The government has extended the deadline for Inua Jamii cash transfer withdrawals, giving beneficiaries five more days to withdraw any uncollected funds from their bank accounts.
Initially set for March 10, the deadline extension aims to facilitate a smoother transition from bank disbursements to mobile payments.
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The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has warned that any unclaimed money will be reclaimed after the new deadline expires on March 15.
Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs Joseph Motari announced the extension on Tuesday, emphasising that the government is keen on ensuring all eligible beneficiaries receive their stipends.
“Those who have not claimed their Inua Jamii funds have five more days to do so. If they do not claim by the 15th of this month, we will assume that the person does not exist,” Motari said in an interview with KBC.
He added that the extension seeks to support beneficiaries while maintaining financial accountability.
The extension comes after the government shifted Inua Jamii payments from banks to the e-Citizen mobile payment platform in January 2025, allowing beneficiaries to receive their stipends directly via M-Pesa.
Motari revealed that the Kenya Kwanza administration had streamlined the cash transfer programme after uncovering widespread irregularities.
EACC probe
A probe by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) found that payments were being made to 194,000 deceased beneficiaries, prompting the government to remove them from the system.
The government has since cleared Sh16.7 billion in arrears in two phases.
“With support from the President, I submitted a Cabinet memo that was approved for monthly payments, and this is the system we have been following to date,” he said.
The Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs currently oversees three major cash transfer programmes: Persons with Severe Disabilities (PWSD-CT), Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC), and Older Persons (OP-CT).
So far, the Inua Jamii programme has reached 1.76 million beneficiaries, with plans to expand coverage to 2.5 million by 2027.
Motari reassured senior citizens who have yet to transition to M-Pesa payments that their funds will remain secure for the next three months.
“It has been two months since we moved the cash transfer payments to M-Pesa. Senior citizens should not panic—their money is secure. They just need to register, and they will receive all their funds,” he said.
Motari also dismissed claims that elderly citizens with seven-digit ID numbers are facing challenges enrolling in the program, insisting that no one has been denied payments due to their ID format.
“My team is on the ground investigating the issue. I urge those facing challenges to visit the nearest M-Pesa agent for assistance,” he said.
Describing the social protection programme as a “superhero” initiative, Motari emphasised its sustainability and significant impact, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
“The Inua Jamii programme will remain sustainable because every government must take care of its people. We must support those who are unable to care for themselves,” he added.
Addressing concerns about the possibility of increasing the current Sh2,000 stipend, Motari noted that while an increment is anticipated, it depends on government revenue.
“The funds come from the exchequer. With many Kenyans evading taxes, it would be difficult to increase the stipend,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has released Sh3.52 billion for the February 2025 Inua Jamii cash transfers. The funds will benefit 1,761,897 enrolled beneficiaries, each receiving Sh2,000 for the month.
Motari said payments commenced on Monday, March 10, 2025, with recipients urged to access their stipends through M-Pesa. Beneficiaries—including older persons aged 70 and above, caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children, and caregivers of persons with severe disabilities—can withdraw funds by dialling *222# and visiting the nearest M-Pesa agent.
Those who have yet to register phone numbers for the programme have been advised to visit any Safaricom or M-Pesa agent countrywide to register a line and facilitate access to their stipends.
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