The government has issued a fresh update regarding bank withdrawals for recipients of the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme. This follows a directive requiring all beneficiaries to withdraw their funds as the government transitions to a new mobile-based payment system.
On Tuesday, Joseph Motari, the Principal Secretary for Social Services, announced that the government had decided to extend the withdrawal deadline by an additional five days. This means that beneficiaries now have until March 15 to withdraw their funds.
Risk of Losing Funds and Removal from the System
Motari emphasized that those who fail to withdraw their money within the extended period risk losing access to all the funds in their accounts. Additionally, individuals who do not comply could be permanently removed from the programme, as the government may assume they are no longer eligible.
“By yesterday, we noticed that a large number of beneficiaries had not withdrawn their money as required. In response, we have extended the deadline by another five days. However, if they still fail to withdraw the funds, we will assume that the beneficiary is no longer present or eligible for the programme,” Motari stated.
What Will Happen to Unclaimed Money?
To ensure that funds allocated for the programme are not wasted, the government has outlined a plan for unclaimed money. The PS explained that any funds left unwithdrawn will be used to enroll new beneficiaries who are in need of financial assistance.
Furthermore, Motari noted that if the unclaimed funds are not used by June, the government will return the money to the National Treasury for reallocation based on legal provisions.
“For any unclaimed money, we will implement what is called a ‘clawback.’ This means that we will reclaim the funds and use them to support additional beneficiaries. However, if the funds remain unused by June, they will be returned to the Treasury for alternative allocations,” he explained.
Shift to Mobile Money Payments
These changes come after the government announced in December that it would transition from bank payments to mobile money platforms. The move aims to make it easier for beneficiaries to access their funds without having to queue for long hours at banking halls.
Since launching this new payment method, the government has successfully processed payments for 1.6 million Kenyans, ensuring that they receive their funds conveniently.
Motari also assured the public that plans are in place to onboard more vulnerable individuals into the programme. The goal is to expand support for low-income and disadvantaged groups across the country.
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