Digital Cash Payment and Accessibility of Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Program in Matungulu Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya

This study examined digital functionality of Inua Jamiicash transfer dynamics in Matungulu Sub-county in Machakos County, Kenya. A concurrent mixed method was utilized, particularly descriptive survey and an exploratory research designs were used. Study respondents included Inua Jamiicash transfer program beneficiaries and service providers. Sample size of 365 was calculated from the Slovin’s formula (n = N / [1 + N (e)2]). Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis and presented through verbatim. From the findings, it emerged that there weren’t adequate pay points in respondents’ area. This was indicated by 57.8% (193) of the respondents. Most of the respondents had to commute for a distance between 1 Km and 6Km before they could get to their preferred pay point. Majority of the respondents felt secure transacting through the digital modes of transfer as opposed to the conventional cash payment. It emerged from the study that cases of hijacking had reduced as a result of digitalization of cash transfer. In digital withdrawal, it was either the beneficiaries or someone they have entrusted with their password who could withdraw their monthly cash transfer funds from their accounts. From the findings, 72.3% (243) of the respondents involved in the study affirmed that their information was safe with the banks. This study concluded that digital cash transfer payment mode had greatly influenced the Inua Jamiicash transfer program with a majority of service users appreciating the technology which to a great extent had reduced some of the security risks experienced and time spent on withdrawal of the program funds. The study recommended the government to increase the amount of monthly cash given to the beneficiaries of CTP.Key words: functionality, digital system,cash payments, cash transfer program, Inua Jamii