This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
On May 20, 2020, Kenya had reported 1,029 COVID-19 cases and 50 deaths. In response, the government launched the Inua Jamii program, which provides Sh2,000 monthly to over 1 million beneficiaries under an Sh 8.7 billion kitty.
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Kenya has urged the Ministry of Labour, Social Security, and Services to ensure the inclusion of all elderly persons who qualify for the Inua Jamii program.
ICJ Kenya Chairman Kevin Mogeni called for the use of cashless fund transfer to ensure elderly persons can access their funds without risking exposure to the highly contagious disease when going to banks.
"Based on the extensive and highly interactive deliberations guided by thematic experts, we urge the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Labour to incorporate the use of cashless fund transfer to ensure that elderly persons who are vulnerable are able to access their monies without having to travel to banking halls," Mogeni said.
ICJ Kenya also wants the stimulus package to cater to persons in the formal and informal sectors, raising concern that the package only benefits those in the formal sector.
"As a Commission of Jurists, we have noted that the current package only benefits those employed in the formal sector," they noted.
