The National government has distributed Sh3.3 million to the old people in West Mugirango constituency, Nyamira County as part of efforts to improve the living standards of senior citizens in the region.
The money was issued through the government-run Cash Transfer for the elderly program and targets 1000 beneficiaries across the county. This is a substantial rise from the 700 beneficiaries who have been benefiting from the money.
The project which targeted over 1500 people aged 65 years and above in the county allocates Sh2000 for each household in a month.
Addressing the press in Nyamira on Thursday, County Assistant Director for Social Development Mr Cyrus Gichure said the government was distributing the cash to the newly registered beneficiaries while payment for the old beneficiaries would be processed from August.
He added that the government has set aside 70 per cent of cash shared equally in all the constituencies across the country while the remaining 30 per cent was distributed depending on the poverty index.
“This program has expanded to loop in more beneficiaries as we strive to ensure all people are economically empowered,” he said.
He further urged the beneficiaries to invest the money wisely by meeting their basic needs and venturing into to profitable projects and forego luxurious necessities.
He also pointed out speculations of caregivers trying to squeeze some amount of the cash as the take advantage of the illiteracy of the elders and asked them to be honest and be assisting them in managing the cash.