Kabuchai Member of Parliament, Majimbo Kalasinga, has put forth a proposal to amend the eligibility age for the Inua Jamii program, suggesting a reduction from 70 years to 60 years. This motion, slated for discussion in Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, seeks to enhance the welfare of elderly Kenyans, allowing them to lead lives of dignity.
MP Majimbo Kalasinga makes proposal
Kalasinga contends that the current age limit of 70 years for enrollment in the Inua Jamii Program is discriminatory towards older members of society and contradicts the spirit of the Constitution, which recognizes individuals aged 60 and above as ‘older members of society.’ Article 57 of the Constitution mandates the state to safeguard the rights of older persons, including the rights to dignity, respect, care, and assistance.
The proposed adjustment aligns with the government’s objective of supporting vulnerable segments of society, with plans to extend assistance to 2.5 million beneficiaries over the next three years. If enacted, eligible individuals would receive regular and predictable cash transfers from the government, supplementing their livelihoods. Notably, the Ministry of Labour recently disbursed Ksh2.1 billion for elderly beneficiaries, underscoring the government’s commitment to social welfare initiatives.
Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore emphasized the importance of beneficiaries registering with mobile money platforms to facilitate seamless disbursement of funds, ensuring timely access to financial assistance. Each participant in the program receives approximately Ksh2,000 monthly, as stipulated by the Social Assistance Act, aimed at providing support to vulnerable members of the community.
In addition to the proposal by Majimbo Kalasinga, Suna West Member of Parliament Peter Masara has advocated for the inclusion of low-income earners in the government’s payroll, proposing a monthly stipend to alleviate financial strain. The government’s obligation extends beyond the elderly to encompass orphans, vulnerable children, the unemployed, persons with disabilities, widows, widowers, and those disabled by chronic illness.
Overall, these initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing social protection mechanisms and addressing the needs of marginalized groups in Kenya. By lowering the age threshold for the Inua Jamii program, policymakers aim to extend support to a wider demographic, fostering inclusivity and socio-economic empowerment among older citizens.
