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{
    "id": 548170,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/548170/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 150,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
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    "content": "enhance the capabilities of their care givers to improve their standards of living, thus lessening the difficulties arising from their disability. This gives effect to the rights of persons with disabilities and equality, the freedom from discrimination as set out in the Constitution of Kenya, as well as the Persons with Disabilities Act. The cash transfer programme currently targets 27,200 beneficiaries nationwide. The Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Services has a schedule of distribution of funds to all relevant clearance and service points in the relevant areas. However, in some cases, the schedule may change due to delay in approval of funds at various points. The beneficiaries have complained that the transfers of funds are inconsistent and they are not provided with information regarding the changes in the bi- monthly payment schedules. Delays have been noted to be ranging from one to four months from the expected payment dates. Incidentally, some beneficiaries receive the transfers in bulk that is equivalent to one year of payment. Considering that all beneficiaries are living in poverty, planning for such huge amounts is overwhelming. Some spend the money on unnecessary items in the hope of receiving the same amount in the next transfer. Mr. Speaker, Sir, these inconsistencies are associated with gaps and challenges such as inadequate training on the management of cash transfers, inadequate budget for administration, few officers responsible for expansive geographical areas and inadequate monitoring of the programme by designated committees. It is evident that the deviation of the scheduled transfer interferes with the budgeting within households. This can result into food insecurity, lack of access to health care needs, school drop outs, begging on the streets, eviction from residences and an overall loss of dignity and quality of life. In light of these anomalies, the Ministry of Labour, social Security and Services has initiated the establishment of a single registry and more robust management information system that will consolidate key information on the cash transfer programmes with respect to registration, enrolment, payments, complaints and grievances. This is expected to diminish incorrect, irregular, delayed payment and insufficient monitoring and evaluation measures. Furthermore, the Ministry has signed contracts with a new pay service provider for cash transfers, that is, the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) which has the potential to improve the coordination of cash transfers to beneficiaries by enhancing convenience, security, accessibility, efficiency and accountability. These were elements that were previously lacking. Moving forward, the Ministry will also continue to engage the national Treasury and development partners for increased funding to the programme with the ultimate goal of attaining universal coverage for all deserving citizens by 2017/2018 Financial Year."
}