Kenya joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of Older Persons, observed annually on October 1, with renewed calls for stronger support systems, greater protection, and increased recognition of senior citizens’ contribution to society.
The occasion, held at PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Grounds in Dagoretti South constituency, Nairobi County, was organised by Ahadi Kenya Trust in partnership with NCBA Bank, the National Gender and Equality Commission and other stakeholders.
During the event, celebrated under the global theme: “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action – Our Aspirations, Our Well-being, Our Rights,” community leaders and civil society advocates present expressed concern over the growing challenges faced by the elderly, including dementia, poverty, limited access to healthcare and cases of abuse.
The CEO, Kenyan Aged People Require Information, Knowledge and Advancement (KARIKA) organisation, Elijah Mwega, emphasised the urgent need to raise awareness on dementia, noting that many elderly persons living with the condition often get lost or face heightened vulnerability.
“In our office, we frequently encounter elders who have lost their way due to dementia. Many have tragically lost their lives,” he said, urging the government to establish rescue centers and intensify public awareness of the condition.
Mwega also urged the government to establish a legislative framework to safeguard older persons, citing the numerous challenges they continue to face in society.
However, the CEO lauded the ongoing efforts by President William Ruto’s administration to provide inclusive healthcare through the Social Health Authority (SHA).
He consequently urged the government to ensure all elderly persons in society are fully mobilized and registered under the scheme to guarantee enhanced access to treatment and care.
While also appreciating the Sh2,000 monthly stipend spearheaded by the government for senior citizens aged above 70 years, Mwega appealed for an increase in the amount, citing the current rising cost of living.
The CEO stated that many elderly persons are raising grandchildren, while struggling to meet their daily needs.
He further encouraged the government to establish more social centers, where elders can gather, interact and air their concerns.
Ahadi Kenya Trust Executive Director, Dr. Stanley Kamau, echoed Mwega’s sentiments, calling for stronger community support for the elderly.
Dr. Kamau condemned the rising cases of attacks on older persons accused of witchcraft, adding, “It is heartbreaking that in some counties, elderly people have been killed based on such flimsy accusations.
Communities, neighbours, National Government Administrative Officers right from the chiefs and their assistants, as well as the church, must come together to protect the dignity of this vulnerable segment of society,” Dr. Kamau said
The Executive Director also raised alarm over cases where senior citizens live in fear of robbery, even after receiving the government cash transfer stipend.
“These senior citizens took care of us; let’s take care of them. Instead of robbing them of the little they receive, let us provide them with food, blankets, and mattresses so they can live with dignity,” he pleaded.
Dr. Kamau further appealed to corporate organisations, including NCBA Bank, to support the construction of decent homes for the vulnerable elderly persons.
NCBA Bank, Kawangware Branch Manager, Caroline Ngatia, reaffirmed her institution’s commitment to supporting the welfare of senior citizens, describing them as the heartbeat of society and pillars of knowledge, who have silently shaped families, communities and the nation at large.
“As NCBA, we believe in the power of inclusion and in empowering every generation by amplifying our elders’ aspirations, well-being, and rights,” she said.
“You built this country with unbreakable faith, sometimes for no reward, and in return, we are forever indebted to you,” Ngatia assured.
Meanwhile, even as Kenya confronts the realities of the marginalisation of the elderly, the celebrations carried a clear message: that the society must take deliberate and compassionate steps to safeguard the dignity, rights, and well-being of its senior citizens.
By Ian Chepkuto
