Nakuru elderly welcome government's move to send monthly stipend via M-Pesa

The government's shift to move the Inua Jamii program from the banking system to M-Pesa is now a game changer for the elderly, who previously had to travel long distances to withdraw their monthly cash from banks.

In an interview with Mtaa Wangu, Jane Wanjiku says she comes from the interior part of Mercy Njeri and previously had to travel to Nakuru city centre to access her money, which was costly.

Wanjiku explains that her friend encouraged her to enrol in the program, noting its benefits would go a long way in financing some of her needs.

However, she is quick to point out that traveling from her home to town cost her Sh 400 for a round trip just to withdraw her money, a cost that reduced her monthly support.

"While in town, I also had to buy something to eat, so at times, I would return home with only Sh1,500 or less from the Sh 2,000 allocated to me by the government. However, with the new mode of accessing our money, things are better since M-Pesa agents are closer, and not much time is wasted in getting the money," she says.

Another resident, Gideon Kimani, notes that the trips from his home in Upper Kiamunyi to town were cumbersome and costly.

For him, the convenience of withdrawing money without needing someone to accompany him to the bank is a major advantage.

"Meeting the cost of the person accompanying me to the bank shrunk my money. With the new model, I think I will withdraw my money and remain with a better amount," says Kimani.

However, he notes that he is not familiar with the E-Citizen platform but plans to get someone to guide him through it. He also intends to have his SIM card registered by an M-Pesa agent so he can access his money closer to home.

Speaking in Mercy Njeri, where he inspected the projects, Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, Joseph Motari, states that the funds to support the elderly will now be available at the tap of a button.

 He emphasized that beneficiaries only need to register their SIM cards at any M-Pesa agent to access their money.

"From February, the money will no longer be accessed through banks but through withdrawals at M-Pesa agents. I encourage our senior citizens to embrace this new model of rolling out the funds, as it is cost-effective and convenient, especially for those living in remote areas who previously had to travel long distances to receive their cash," he says.

He acknowledged that the delay in disbursing the January 2025 funds was due to the ongoing transition but assured beneficiaries of a smooth process moving forward.