Beneficiaries of the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme in Ngong have lauded the government for simplifying and speeding up access to their funds through the E-Citizen platform. Speaking to the media, elderly recipients expressed their gratitude for the new system, which has eased the financial and physical burden of collecting their payments.
Ann Njoki, one of the beneficiaries, highlighted the convenience brought by the shift to mobile payments. “We used to travel long distances and spend part of our money on transport just to access banks. But with the introduction of E-Citizen, we can now withdraw our funds at nearby M-Pesa agents. This has made life so much easier for us,” she said.
For Agnes Maina, the new system has been a lifeline. Dealing with health complications made it difficult for her to travel to banks, often requiring the assistance of a caregiver. “I am grateful that I can now access my funds without the long and costly trips. This has lifted a huge burden off my shoulders,” she remarked.
Joseph Motari, Principal Secretary for Social Protection, conducted spot checks in Ngong to oversee the ongoing Inua Jamii cash transfer payments. He reiterated the government’s commitment to making the payment process more efficient and accessible. “The president directed us to ensure the elderly receive their payments through their mobile phones. Previously, some beneficiaries spent KSh1,000 on transport, leaving them with only half their funds. By using M-Pesa and E-Citizen platforms, we have eliminated these costs,” Motari explained.
The government’s efforts to streamline social protection payments saw the State Department for Social Protection disburse KSh3.52 billion to 1,760,074 beneficiaries for the January 2025 payment cycle, with each receiving KSh2,000. The transition from bank accounts to M-Pesa agents via the E-Citizen platform aims to enhance service delivery and ensure that funds reach recipients more swiftly and conveniently.
The pilot phase of this new payment system began in November 2024 in Murang’a and Marsabit counties. Beneficiaries can access their funds by dialing *222# and visiting any M-Pesa agent with their national ID to withdraw the full amount without transaction charges. They can also transfer the money to their M-Pesa wallets for flexible use.
To accommodate Inua Jamii recipients without registered Safaricom lines, the government and Safaricom have made special provisions, allowing those over 60 years old to purchase and register lines despite usual restrictions.
This innovative payment solution has been widely welcomed, promising a more efficient, accessible, and dignified process for the elderly and vulnerable members of society.
