More than one million Kenyans are set to begin receiving benefits from the Government through the Inua Jamii programme, to cushion them from the adverse economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The primary beneficiaries of the programme – the elderly, disabled and vulnerable – will receive KSh8,000 in arrears from the months of January to April and will have access to these benefits through the next six months.

The nation’s flagship safety net programme under the State Department of Social Protection, Ministry of Labour & Social Protection is liaising with the Ministry of Health to ensure that the rollout of the cash transfer programme maintains the rules of social distancing and hygiene during the collection process.

Where possible, the ministries are encouraging beneficiaries and their caretakers to utilise mobile money payment methods in an effort to minimise human and surface contact.

President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the Kshs 8.8 billion welfare package for the Inua Jamii programme last week.

He also called on the Ministry of Health to work in tandem with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to develop and establish a social welfare package to protect medical workers who are on the frontline of the war against coronavirus.