Ruiru elderly call for increased ‘Inua Jamii’ funds over high cost of living
In the wake of harsh economic times precipitated by slow economic growth, relatively high inflation, weakening shilling, climate change and recent global developments, senior citizens in the country have called on the government to consider increasing the monthly Inua Jamii stipends to enable them meet their obligations.
The elders aged over 70 years are recipients who also include orphans, vulnerable children and persons living with severe disability who receive Sh2,000 monthly disbursements in the government’s cash transfer program.
While the money enables them to buy food and sometimes drugs for the ailing, elders who spoke to journalists in Ruiru called for the doubling of the stipend saying the current allocation does not entirely foot their monthly expenses especially with increased prices for basic food items.
Speaking at Ruiru Social Hall during account opening exercise for the registered elderly persons by various forms of banks where their money will be credited from next month, the elders decried their other source of financial help was emanating from their children some of whom have lost jobs and closed down their income generating ventures.
Meet obligations
Consequently, the elders said they are now heavily relying on the Inua Jamii Program to meet their obligations including purchase of food, payment of rent, medication among others that cannot be entirely met by Sh2,000 they currently receive.
“I used to rely on my son who has since lost his job after the company he was working for retrenched so many employees. Now that I cannot work due to my frail nature, it would be a welcome move if the government increased the monthly disbursement to enable us meet our obligations,” John Kamau, an elder said.
Ruiru MP Simon Ng’ang’a King’ara who launched the account opening exercise for over 2,000 recently enrolled beneficiaries called on elders to take advantage of the window created by the government to ensure their account details are up to date to continue enjoying the kitty.
The MP said the government has put in place measures to ensure reduced delays of the stipends to support the livelihoods of the senior citizens.
