The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has sounded the alarm over a new scam targeting Kenyans on WhatsApp, falsely linked to the government’s Inua Jamii programme.
In a public alert issued on Monday, July 28, the ministry warned citizens to be cautious of a fraudulent scheme dubbed “Inua Jamii Foundation Empowerment” that is spreading rapidly on social media.
According to the ministry, the so-called foundation claims to offer financial assistance to vulnerable Kenyans but is not recognised, supported, or approved by any government agency.
In reality, it is a scam designed to deceive unsuspecting members of the public, especially those desperate for economic relief.
“The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection wishes to notify the public about a scam operating under the name Inua Jamii Foundation Empowerment.
This fake scheme is making rounds on WhatsApp and is misleading people with false promises of financial aid,” read part of the statement.
Officials clarified that there is no such foundation under the government, and the fraudsters behind it are exploiting the trusted name of the real Inua Jamii programme to trick people.
The ministry emphasized that all legitimate information concerning Inua Jamii’s cash transfer programs is shared only through official government platforms, such as its website, verified social media pages, or communication from the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs.
To avoid being conned, Kenyans are advised not to click on suspicious links, fill out online forms, or respond to messages promoting the fake Inua Jamii Foundation. The government further urged the public to avoid forwarding such messages to others and instead report them to the relevant authorities.
The authentic Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme is a genuine government initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to Kenya’s most vulnerable populations.
Currently, it supports more than 1.7 million beneficiaries, including elderly citizens, orphans and vulnerable children, and persons with severe disabilities. Each qualifying individual receives Ksh2,000 per month to help ease their financial burden.
Beneficiaries can access their money through the E-Citizen portal or by dialing USSD code *222#. After verifying eligibility, they can either withdraw their funds from M-PESA agents or transfer the cash directly into their M-PESA wallets.
Despite the warning, the ministry confirmed that it is working closely with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies to investigate the scam and identify the individuals or networks behind it. Those found culpable will face legal action.
The ministry concluded by reminding Kenyans to remain vigilant online and to always verify information through official government communication channels to avoid falling prey to online fraudsters.
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