Kiambu Sub-County has launched a 30-day verification exercise to assess the eligibility of elderly persons and individuals with severe disabilities enrolled in the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme, ensuring accurate payments and updating beneficiary records. The initiative, which began on September 21, 2026, requires elderly beneficiaries aged 70 and above to present original national identity cards in person, while caregivers of severely disabled beneficiaries must attend on their behalf. This effort is part of the first phase of a nationwide verification across 33 counties, aimed at addressing concerns over payments to deceased recipients. Dinah Juma, Sub-County Social Development Officer, emphasized the need to remove deceased beneficiaries from the payroll, citing that Kiambu currently has 3,000 Inua Jamii recipients, including 2,776 elderly individuals and 224 persons with severe disabilities receiving KSh2,000 monthly. Failure to complete verification risks automatic removal from the program.
The verification process, designed to take less than two minutes per beneficiary, employs alternative methods like photo verification when fingerprint recognition is impractical, particularly for those traveling long distances. Mobile verification services will commence in Ndumberi, the sub-county’s area with the highest beneficiary count, to reduce logistical challenges. Juma highlighted partnerships with churches, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), and welfare committees to disseminate information, with Deputy County Commissioner engaging local leaders to ensure grassroots outreach. The Social Protection Office, conducting the exercise at Kiambu Town offices, plans to expand mobile services to improve accessibility for elderly participants. This initiative aligns with broader government efforts to strengthen accountability in the Inua Jamii programme, following criticism over payments to deceased beneficiaries.
The Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme, expanded in 2017 under a presidential directive to cover Kenyans aged 70 and above, has faced scrutiny over its implementation. In May 2026, Principal Secretary for Social Protection Joseph Motari underscored the biometric proof-of-life exercise as critical to confirming beneficiaries’ continued eligibility. The current verification drive follows revelations of deceased individuals remaining on the payroll after the 2021 exercise, prompting calls for stricter oversight. Juma reiterated that the process is essential to prevent misallocation of funds, ensuring that only living, eligible recipients receive support. The exercise also addresses challenges faced by beneficiaries in accessing services, with mobile units set to alleviate the burden of traveling to sub-county headquarters.
Public-interest implications of the verification exercise center on transparency and fiscal responsibility, ensuring taxpayer funds are directed to those in genuine need. By prioritizing accuracy, the initiative aims to uphold the integrity of social protection systems while safeguarding vulnerable populations. Kiambu’s approach reflects a broader national commitment to reforming welfare programs, balancing efficiency with equity. As the verification progresses, stakeholders emphasize the importance of community engagement and adaptive strategies to maintain trust in public assistance mechanisms.