Needy families to receive weekly stipend from Government – Pres. Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday, April 16, said his administration has identified needy families in Kenya, who will receive weekly stipend to relieve them of financial burden arising from COVID-19 crisis.

In his address to the nation from State House-Nairobi, the Head of State said the government did scouting of families beginning last week, and so far, the identified families have already received a week’s support stipend. The needy families-identification process continues, he added.

The president did not reveal the criteria the State used, or will use -- moving forward -- to settle on the needy families that will receive financial aid from the government.

President Kenyatta also listed a raft of measures his administration has taken to provide some relief to Kenyans who are encountering uncomfortable situations due to the spread of coronavirus in Kenya.

The president said the government has released at least Ksh8.5 billion, which will be used in providing monthly stipend to the elderly members of society.

President Kenyatta directed the ministries of Health and Public Service to come up with a welfare package that will be given to health workers, who are considered the key cogs in fighting the spread of COVID-19.

In order to enable counties have more funds, which will be channeled to the COVID-19 response measures, the president directed the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority to provide three months’ waiver to county governments for procured medical equipment. The Head of State urged governors to buy personal protective equipment from local suppliers. He added that the State will give the counties an additional Ksh5 billion to help fight the spread of the contagion.

President Kenyatta said persons living with disabilities will benefit from Ksh500 million, which the Government has released to their kitty.

Following anxiety of possible postponement of national exams due to suspended learning in Kenya, the president directed the Ministry of Education to “come up with steps to mitigate any negative impact on students due to measures taken against this pandemic”.

President Kenyatta also urged Parliament to expedite legislation on the tax relief measures he had proposed on March 25.

The Head of State said his government will negotiate with the African Development Bank to see if Kenya can benefit from emergency credit facilities created by the lender in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak.

President Kenyatta further stated that once the country recovers from COVID-19 effects, there would be a post-COVID-19 economic recovery plan in place. The president said his government is in the process of formulating that road map.

“I will ensure that we stay alert to protect lives, our economy and our country’s peace,” he said.

In his address, the president also revealed that Kenya recorded nine new COVID-19 infections between Wednesday and Thursday, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 234.