Government Disburses Ksh 2.5 Billion Inua Jamii Payments to Vulnerable Households
The government has released Ksh 2.54 billion under the January 2026 Inua Jamii payment cycle, benefiting more than 1.2 million vulnerable Kenyans enrolled in the national social protection programme.
In a press statement issued on Friday, February 6, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, through the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, confirmed that the funds had been disbursed to support elderly citizens and persons living with severe disabilities across the country.
“The ministry has released Ksh 2,541,683,000 (Two Billion, Five Hundred and Forty-One Million, Six Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand) for payment to 1,213,214 beneficiaries enrolled in the Inua Jamii Programme,” the statement read.
According to the ministry, the beneficiaries include 1,149,276 older persons aged 70 years and above, as well as 63,938 persons living with severe disabilities. Each registered beneficiary will receive Ksh 2,000 for the January 2026 payment cycle.
The disbursement officially commenced on Friday, with recipients able to access their funds digitally through the eCitizen platform by dialing *222#. Beneficiaries may withdraw the cash at authorised M-PESA agents or transfer it directly to their M-PESA wallets for use.
The State Department noted that the payments come at a critical moment for many households, particularly in regions affected by prolonged drought and rising food insecurity. Officials said the cash transfers are expected to help vulnerable families meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, and essential household expenses.
“These funds are meant to cushion the most vulnerable members of our society against the prevailing harsh economic conditions and ensure that no Kenyan is left behind,” the ministry said.
The Inua Jamii programme was launched in 2015 under the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta as a consolidated framework bringing together several social assistance initiatives under one national system. The programme supports older persons, caregivers of persons with severe disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, forming a cornerstone of Kenya’s social protection strategy.
Over the years, Inua Jamii has been credited with improving household welfare, enhancing access to basic necessities, and promoting dignity among vulnerable populations. The government has repeatedly described the programme as a constitutional obligation aimed at safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of disadvantaged citizens.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to sustaining and strengthening social protection programmes, stating that timely and predictable cash transfers remain a priority under the government’s broader poverty alleviation agenda.
“The government remains committed to ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need to live with dignity, as guaranteed under the Constitution,” the statement added.
Registration for new Inua Jamii beneficiaries is not continuous and is typically conducted during government-announced mass registration exercises, depending on budget availability and programme scale-up phases. As of February 2026, much of the registration process has been digitised through the eCitizen platform, allowing applicants to enrol online or by dialing *222# using a Safaricom line linked to a national ID.
Prospective beneficiaries may also seek assistance from Social Protection or Children’s Services offices at sub-county headquarters. Required documentation includes original identification cards for both beneficiaries and caregivers, as well as supporting documents such as medical reports or National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) cards where applicable.
After registration, applicants undergo community validation conducted by government officers and local administrators to confirm vulnerability status. Once approved, beneficiaries must activate their preferred payment method to begin receiving the monthly stipend.
The ministry advised applicants to consult their local chiefs or assistant chiefs for updates on upcoming registration windows and programme expansion plans.
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Government Disburses Ksh 2.5 Billion Inua Jamii Payments to Vulnerable Households
