Kwale – Base Titanium, an Australian mining firm based in Kwale, Kenya, in collaboration with Kenya Red Cross Society Kwale Branch and Equity Bank Kenya, has launched the ‘Elders Empowerment Programme’, a cash transfer initiative using biometric identification. The program aims to support 500 vulnerable elders with a monthly cash voucher of Sh2,000 for a year, starting from November 2023 to November 2024.
According to Kenya News Agency, the General Manager of External Affairs at Base Titanium, this programme reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the host community, especially those affected by mining activities. Wall explained that the ‘Economic Empowerment Programme’ is designed to assist the elderly and vulnerable individuals in the community, integrating them into Base Titanium’s social development initiatives.
The beneficiaries, older residents from Msambweni and Lunga-Lunga Sub-Counties, will receive the stipend, mirroring the national government’s Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme. Wall highlighted that the funds, aimed at alleviating the impact of the high cost of living, will be electronically disbursed by Equity Bank through their agents.
Wall emphasized Base Titanium’s recognition of the importance of social protection mechanisms in promoting human development and social equity. The launch event was attended by various officials, including Dr. Melba Wasunna of Base Titanium, Hassan Musa of the Kenya Red Cross, and Joseph Ndungu of Equity Bank.
The beneficiaries, identified through the Kwale branch of Kenya Red Cross, are individuals over 60 years not receiving other pensions. Wall noted that this initiative is part of the company’s broader approach to social protection, which includes support for youth through scholarships and employment opportunities, and livelihood enhancement projects for women.
He assured that the mining company would timely disburse funds to support the beneficiaries against poverty and urged them to use the stipends wisely for betterment.
Hassan Musa of the Red Cross highlighted the necessity of such a social protection scheme due to extreme poverty and vulnerability exacerbated by droughts and floods. He explained that the pilot cash transfer scheme is targeted at helping the most destitute households to meet basic needs like health, food, and shelter.
Joseph Ndungu of Equity Bank commended the use of a biometric ID verification system in the cash transfer programme, noting its potential to reduce fraud.
Base Titanium, operational since 2013, extracts minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, and zircon in South Coast Kenya and is recognized as a flagship mining project under Kenya’s Vision 2030.