Kenya plans support for the vulnerable

3rd Feb 2015 As provisions towards the upkeep of orphans, disabled persons, vulnerable children and the elderly, Kenya’s government has set aside about 29 billion shillings, for more than 400,000 Kenyans who fall into these categories. The funds will help to improve their living standards.

The project which is spearheaded by Kenya Commercial Bank, will commence in March, and is in collaboration with Kenya’s Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Services. A statement from the bank said that plans are under way to launch a new payment card that will be used to disburse the money, and beneficiaries will in turn, access the money through ATMs or the bank’s agents across the country.

The director of the Bank, Samuel Makome who spoke on the institution’s behalf, is quoted as saying “Through our countrywide reach of over 240 branches and over 8,000 agents, the bank will be able to offer convenient means of presenting the funds to registered beneficiaries,”

Selection of the beneficiaries will be done by the ministry, which will work closely with local authorities to ensure fairness and dishonesty.

President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta has launched biometric registration for all the beneficiaries of the programme to prevent duplication and mismanagement of funds for the welfare project.

This is just one of the many initiatives the government of Kenya has introduced in its attempts to lower poverty levels in the country, which have been placed at about 46 percent.