The government has started paying out Sh2.4 billion to more than 1.2 million beneficiaries under the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme for the February 2026 cycle, while cautioning Kenyans about a fake initiative circulating online that falsely claims to be linked to the programme.
The State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs within the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection said the payments began on March 4, 2026. Each registered beneficiary is set to receive Sh2,000 through the programme.
In a press statement released on Thursday, Principal Secretary Joseph Motari said the total amount being released stands at Sh2,426,322,000. The funds will be paid to 1,213,161 older persons and persons living with severe disabilities who are registered under the government support programme.
The Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme provides financial support to vulnerable members of society with the aim of easing poverty and supporting their daily needs. The programme mainly benefits older persons aged 70 years and above and people living with severe disabilities.
"The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, through the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, has released sh2,426,322,000 for payments to 1,213,161 older persons and Persons Living with Severe Disability enrolled in the Inua Jamii programme," the statement read.
At the same time, the government cautioned Kenyans against a fraudulent campaign spreading on social media platforms, mainly WhatsApp, under the name “Inua Jamii Foundation Empowerment.”
Motari said the entity does not exist within the Government of Kenya and warned the public against interacting with messages or links that claim to provide empowerment funds connected to the Inua Jamii programme.
"We wish to alert the public about a fraudulent scheme currently circulating on social media, particularly WhatsApp, falsely operating under the name Inua Jamii Foundation Empowerment. No such organisation exists under the Government of Kenya," said PS Motari.
He further asked members of the public to avoid responding to or sharing the misleading messages circulating online.
"The public is urged to ignore any messages or links shared via WhatsApp or other platforms purporting to offer Inua Jamii Foundation empowerment funds."
