The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has officially announced the disbursement of Ksh3.52 billion under the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme, aimed at supporting over 1.76 million vulnerable Kenyans. The payments cover the month of April 2025, and eligible recipients can now access the funds via mobile money platforms, including M-PESA, or through the E-citizen portal.
Over 1.7 Million Vulnerable Kenyans to Receive Inua Jamii Cash Transfers
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, May 20, Joseph Motari, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Social Protection, confirmed the funds have been released to cater to 1,760,510 beneficiaries across the country. These include older persons aged 70 years and above, orphans and vulnerable children, and persons living with severe disabilities.
“The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, through the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, has released Ksh3.52 billion for payment to 1,760,510 beneficiaries enrolled in the Inua Jamii Program,” said PS Motari.
What Is the Inua Jamii Programme?
The Inua Jamii Programme is a flagship government social protection initiative launched to provide bi-monthly cash transfers to economically disadvantaged groups in Kenya. It forms part of the government’s larger effort to alleviate poverty and promote the dignity and well-being of its most vulnerable citizens.
The programme targets:
- Senior citizens aged 70 and above
- Orphans and vulnerable children
- People with severe disabilities
Through regular financial support, the government hopes to ease the burden of basic needs, including food, healthcare, and shelter, for these at-risk groups.
“Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme remains a cornerstone of the government’s social protection strategy,” PS Motari added. “It aims to alleviate poverty and promote the well-being of society’s most vulnerable members.”
Transition to M-PESA: Improving Efficiency and Accessibility
As of February 2025, the Ministry adopted M-PESA as the primary mode of payment for the Inua Jamii Programme. This transition marks a significant improvement in service delivery, aimed at making the disbursement process more efficient, secure, and accessible to beneficiaries in all parts of Kenya, especially rural and marginalized areas.
In the past, the programme relied heavily on bank-based payments, which often required beneficiaries to travel long distances and wait in long queues at banking halls or agent outlets. This process was not only time-consuming but also risky and expensive for older persons and persons living with disabilities.
The shift to mobile wallet payments via Safaricom’s M-PESA platform has changed the landscape dramatically. Now, beneficiaries can access their funds:
- By dialing *USSD code 222#
- Through the E-citizen portal
- By withdrawing from a nearby M-PESA agent
- Or transferring funds directly to their M-PESA wallet
“The shift to mobile wallet disbursement ensures that beneficiaries can conveniently access their funds from the comfort of their homes or the nearest M-PESA agent,” the Ministry explained. “This significantly improves service delivery.”
Call to Action: Register for M-PESA to Access Funds Seamlessly
The Ministry has encouraged all current and potential beneficiaries to ensure their mobile phone numbers are registered and that they have active M-PESA accounts. This step is crucial for uninterrupted access to Inua Jamii payments.
“Beneficiaries who do not have an active M-PESA line are encouraged to register at an M-PESA agent or Safaricom outlet,” the Ministry advised. “This eliminates the need for beneficiaries to travel long distances for SIM registration.”
This approach is especially beneficial for elderly citizens and individuals with disabilities, who may find it difficult to access banking infrastructure in remote areas.
A Lifeline for Vulnerable Communities
For many recipients, the Inua Jamii cash transfer is more than just money—it’s a lifeline. It provides much-needed financial relief for basic household expenses, including food, medical care, clothing, and education for children. Especially in the wake of economic challenges facing many Kenyan households, the programme serves as a critical intervention in the fight against poverty and social exclusion.
Various local and international development organizations have lauded the Inua Jamii Programme for its targeted approach, accountability, and positive impact on community livelihoods.
How to Check and Access Your Inua Jamii Payment
To check and access your Inua Jamii cash transfer:
- Dial *USSD code 222# from your registered mobile line.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the availability of funds.
- Withdraw funds from a nearby M-PESA agent or transfer them to your personal M-PESA wallet.
- Alternatively, log into your E-citizen account to verify disbursement status and access related services.
For those who have not yet received a notification, it is advisable to check regularly or contact the relevant local administration office for guidance.
Continuous Monitoring and Upgrades
The Ministry has committed to ongoing monitoring and technological upgrades to ensure that the programme remains responsive to changing needs. Periodic reviews are being undertaken to enhance transparency, coverage, and payment efficiency.
Stakeholders are also encouraged to report any irregularities, delays, or challenges in accessing the payments through official government hotlines or local administrators.
Final Thoughts
The disbursement of Ksh3.52 billion to over 1.76 million Inua Jamii beneficiaries in April reflects the government’s continued commitment to supporting vulnerable Kenyans through robust and inclusive social protection mechanisms.
With the adoption of M-PESA mobile payments, the process is now faster, safer, and more convenient than ever before. As long as beneficiaries keep their mobile lines active and registered, they can expect a seamless experience in receiving their bi-monthly financial support.
For more updates on the Inua Jamii Programme, cash transfer disbursements, and other social protection initiatives, stay tuned to official government channels and trusted news platforms.