The government has ramped up recruitment for persons aged over 70 as it seeks to place most of those vulnerable under this category on the monthly state payroll.
President William Ruto's administration has called on all Kenyans above 70 years to enrol for the monthly stipend as part of its campaign to boost financial security for the elderly.
By Monday, the government announced that it had registered at least 600,000 Kenyans who have attained the age of 70 for the monthly stipend under the country’s social protection programme.
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore said the figure of those enlisted includes disabled persons.
Under the programmes, one of the key financial protection pillars under Ruto's administration, the government targets to enlist at least 700,000 new persons.
Those listed will join another 1.2 million that is already under the Inua Jamii Programme.
“As a ministry, we are happy with this exercise so far. We are doing well despite the challenges of slow registration. We’re confident of hitting our target,” Bore said in Bargurret, Kieni constituency.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday rallied local administrators to ramp up the exercise and register all those above 70 years.
"Nobody should be left behind and I want the chiefs to ensure that all those above 70 years are registered," Gachagua said.
On Monday, Bore admitted that the exercise is slow due to a shortage of staff but said they are working with National Government Administration Officers to bring all on board.
“We are working closely with NGAO offices, they will employ the same formula that ensures all farmers are registered for fertilizer to bring on board everyone,” Bore said.
She assured the elderly that their stipends would not be delayed saying that they would receive their dues by the 28th of every month.
“We are working closely with banks to ensure their stipend of Sh2,000 is paid to them on time. We will be using agents to ensure their money is closer to them,” Bore said.
"After months of delays, the elderly are now receiving their Sh2,000 monthly stipend on time following President Ruto's directive to the National Treasury to pay them by 28 of every month."