Two years ago, serious questions emerged over billions of shillings sitting under the custody of the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA). Senators demanded answers after concerns arose over an outstanding Ksh8.8 billion linked to identified assets that had not yet reached their rightful owners.

At the time, lawmakers questioned delays in reunifying money with owners and sought explanations over how the process was being managed. The issue generated public debate, but many Kenyans may still be asking a simple question today: where did that matter finally reach?

The conversation has now resurfaced following a proposal by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana suggesting that money left in phones and digital wallets should become easier for spouses and close relatives to access after a person dies.

“It should be made easy that when a person passes away, the money that was in their phones should be available to their spouse or relative,” Mungatana proposed.

Families still face barriers after loss

On the surface, the proposal appears simple. But beneath it lies a bigger issue affecting many Kenyan families: why does accessing a deceased person’s money often become such a long and difficult process?

When a loved one dies, families are already carrying emotional and financial burdens. Funeral arrangements come first. School fees still need to be paid. Rent does not stop. Food and household expenses continue despite grief.

Protection of money or burden on families?

Bank accounts become inaccessible. Mobile money accounts are frozen. Documents are requested. Verification processes start. Legal procedures follow. For many ordinary families, navigating these systems can become exhausting.

The purpose of such safeguards is understandable. Systems exist to prevent fraud, protect property and ensure assets reach the correct beneficiaries.

However, many people continue asking whether the process has become too complicated for the same families it was intended to protect.

Some people eventually give up because of delays, paperwork and legal expenses. Others may never even discover that assets exist.

Perhaps the bigger question is not where the money goes.

The bigger question is whether the system is protecting assets while forgetting families.

Because for many Kenyans, money left behind by the deceased is not abandoned wealth.

It is survival.