Thousands benefit as UFAA pays out Sh2.84 billion in claims

JACK MWANIKI AND JANE CHEBET-PCO

TThe Government has announced a major breakthrough in its financial inclusion agenda, with the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA) successfully reuniting Sh40 billion worth of unclaimed financial assets with their rightful owners.

The milestone underscores the State’s commitment to consumer protection, equitable access to services, and economic empowerment. Since its inception, UFAA has facilitated the recovery of Sh40.7 billion in cash and Sh2 billion in shares.

In its ongoing nationwide reunification drive, the Authority has processed and paid out claims worth Sh2.84 billion to 39,203 beneficiaries.

The initiative has significantly boosted household welfare, strengthened business resilience, and enhanced citizen participation in the economy.

The achievement was highlighted during the launch of UFAA services across all 59 Huduma Centres nationwide.

The integration is designed to simplify the claims process, improve accessibility, and ensure that citizens across the country can reclaim what rightfully belongs to them.

Speaking at the launch in Machakos County, Principal Secretary for Public Investments and Assets Management, Cyrell Wagunda, emphasized that many assets remain unclaimed not because of ownership disputes, but due to barriers in service delivery.

He noted that previous models were distant, complex, and inaccessible to ordinary citizens. “This initiative ensures that every Kenyan, regardless of location, can reclaim what rightfully belongs to them,” Wagunda said.

“It reinforces constitutional principles such as the right to property, financial inclusion, consumer protection, and equitable access to public services,” he added.

The PS said that the reunification of assets is more than a financial exercise—it is a social and economic intervention.

By unlocking dormant resources, the government aims to support families, strengthen businesses, and contribute to national growth. Wagunda reaffirmed that safeguarding and reuniting these assets with urgency and integrity remains a key government responsibility.

The initiative is aligned with President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes citizen-focused governance and economic empowerment.

Through a Whole-of-Government Approach, UFAA services will now be available closer to communities, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles and streamlining processes.

The government has also pledged continued investment in UFAA’s institutional capacity.

This includes human capital development, technology modernization, and policy and legal reforms to enhance efficiency.

Officials say these measures will ensure the Authority remains responsive to citizen needs while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Principal Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Dr. Jane Imbunya, urged other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to leverage Huduma Centres to expand service delivery.