It is a relief for the over 1 million cash transfer beneficiaries after the Government finally released Sh8.5 billion for payment.

This came as President William Ruto assured that the programme is still on contrary to claims that it has been abolished.

“The cash transfer programme is contrary to stories being peddled around. The challenges we have faced with this fund is because we do not have adequate public resources… we must appreciate that our economy was not doing well and somebody needed to come and bring back our economy and that is exactly what I am doing and I want to promise Kenyans that I will sort out this economy to make sure that it serves as for now and for the future,” said Ruto during an interview on Wednesday night.

Concerns have been raised over delayed release of funds since they have not been disbursed after the Kenya Kwanza administration took office.

In a letter dated January 4, however, Social Assistance Director Judy Tuda said that the cash has since been released for beneficiaries currently on payroll.

“The payment covers the July – August and September – October cycles and the disbursements will be through the contracted payment service providers,” said Tuda.

She also stated that payment will start on January 9, with each beneficiary receiving Sh8,000.

Tuda explained that the payment is inclusive of the Nutrition Improvement through Cash and Health Education (NICHE) complimentary top ups for 4,549 beneficiaries amounting to Sh8.4 billion.

She urged the social protection officials to mobilize beneficiaries within their areas of jurisdiction for the payment.