Murang’a County has launched a biometric verification drive targeting 60,000 Inua Jamii beneficiaries to eliminate ghost recipients and ensure cash transfers reach vulnerable households, according to Ms. Lucy Gakere, the County Social Services Coordinator. The 'Proof of Life' exercise, which began on September 21 and will conclude by October 31, requires beneficiaries to undergo biometric capture at National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) offices across the county’s nine sub-counties. Gakere explained that the initiative addresses cases where deceased individuals continue to receive payments through active mobile phone lines, a challenge exacerbated by the shift from bank-based to mobile money transfers. 'Some people have died a long time ago, but others continue receiving their money because the mobile phone lines are still active,' she stated, emphasizing the need for physical verification to update records and remove ineligible recipients.
The Inua Jamii programme, which provides Sh. 2,000 monthly to older persons and households with severe disabilities, prioritizes individuals without retirement benefits or formal employment histories. Gakere highlighted that the verification process aims to identify deceased beneficiaries, correct false registrations, and maintain accurate records for digital social protection systems. 'Beneficiaries should not wait until the last days of the exercise because failure to appear may affect their payments,' she warned, urging participation before the October deadline. The coordinator noted logistical hurdles, including transport constraints and limited resources, which have delayed biometric equipment deployment to remote areas, though local administrators are assisting vulnerable groups in accessing verification points.
The biometric exercise is part of a national effort to clean up the Inua Jamii beneficiary database, enhance accountability, and prevent misallocation of public funds. Gakere stressed that the initiative not only detects irregularities but also ensures genuine beneficiaries remain in the programme. The verification aligns with the government’s broader goal of leveraging digital systems for efficient social protection delivery. Meanwhile, the programme continues to support over 60,000 households, including caregivers of persons with severe disabilities, who rely on the cash transfers to meet basic needs amid economic challenges.
The verification drive underscores the government’s commitment to transparency in social welfare, though challenges persist in reaching remote communities. Gakere reiterated that non-participation risks beneficiaries being marked as ineligible, while the exercise remains critical for maintaining trust in the Inua Jamii programme. As the campaign progresses, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaboration between local administrators and beneficiaries to ensure all eligible households receive uninterrupted support.