The children department in Kiambu County has cautioned care givers of orphans and vulnerable children to be wary of individuals who claim to have influence over various financial kitties under the department.
Speaking in his office on Monday, the principal county children officer Mr Mong'are Mwambi said that there were rising cases of certain individuals soliciting money from unsuspecting caregivers promising to ensure that they benefit from various kitties such as Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) cash transfer and the recent presidential bursary scheme.
“The children department does not charge any individual any sort of payment to be part of the schemes. The beneficiaries are determined on merit,” said Mwambi.
He revealed that those already benefiting from the various kitties had to undergo vetting by a committee set up and that it is not of importance who an individual is acquainted with to become a beneficiary.
Mwambi singled out Kiambu and Kikuyu Towns as some of the areas where such vices have become rampant, and warned that anyone found issuing such bribes risks facing stiff penalties.
On the other hand, he called on members of the community to show support and care for the orphans by helping them mould their future so as to make them responsible citizens.