Raila, Kibaki, Moi to benefit from Sh2,000 cash transfer, free NHIF
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel Moi are among high-profile billionaires eligible for cash transfers and free medical cover from government in the coming financial year.
During the budget speech for the year 2017/18, Treasury CS Henry Rotich said the cash transfers would be made to all Kenyans above the age of 70.
CASH TRANSFER PROGRAMME
“Mr Speaker, given the experience of the cash transfer programme to the elderly, the Government has decided to enhance coverage of the cash transfer programme to fully support all old persons above the age of 70 years,” said the CS.
“I therefore, propose that beginning January 2018, all persons above the age of 70 years will receive a cash transfer in the form of a monthly stipend 32 and NHIF cover that will be paid by the Government.”
The minister said old persons covered under the existing over 65 years targeting people with disability will be continued. He said the policy was an indication that the Government cares for the Senior Citizens in the society.
Mr Odinga is 72; Mr Kibaki is 86 and Mr Moi is 93.
BLANKET STATEMENT
It is instructive to note that while there is an existing eligibility criteria that would have locked out the three from the programme, Mr Rotich gave a blanket statement that the cash transfers would be made to “all old persons above the age of 70 years”.
Currently, for one to qualify for the transfers he or she must 65 years and above, must be poor and vulnerable and must not be enrolled in any other cash transfer programme.
In addition, a member of the household must not be receiving any pension or regular income and must not be in any gainful employment.
The government pays Sh2,000 per household per month delivered every two months through appointed payment agent – currently the Equity Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank.
Some 203,011 households were beneficiaries in the financial year 2015/16.
