The Kenyan government has assured senior citizens that the Older Persons Bill 2024 will be enacted into law before the 2027 general election. This assurance was given by Joseph Motari, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, during the closure of the first national International Day of Older Persons Conference in Nairobi. The bill aims to actualize Article 57 of the Constitution, which guarantees the rights of older persons.
The Older Persons Bill 2024 has faced several hurdles since public participation was conducted in May 2024. However, Motari stated that the draft is currently with the Attorney General and is set for review and approval by the Cabinet before being presented to Parliament. He added that President William Ruto had initially planned to assent to the bill on October 1, 2026, and emphasized the government's commitment to expediting the process.
The bill's enactment is crucial as older persons in Kenya face numerous challenges, including declining physical and mental health, social neglect, and abuse. According to James Ntabo, Secretary, Administration, Ministry of Health, more than 3.2 million Kenyans are aged over 60, and this number is projected to rise to between 5.5 and 6.5 million by 2035. This demographic shift underscores the need for legislation that safeguards the rights and welfare of older persons.
The three-day conference brought together senior citizens, health experts, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss healthy ageing and the rights of older persons. Participants were urged to treat older persons not just as recipients of aid and services but as rights-holders, contributors, caregivers, and mentors who should help shape policies affecting them.
Motari condemned reported cases of older persons being neglected and killed due to false witchcraft accusations. He emphasized that older persons deserve respect and should be included in decisions that affect them. The government's commitment to protecting older persons comes at a time when the demographic is growing rapidly and facing significant challenges.
The Older Persons Bill 2024 stalled due to overlapping provisions with the Social Protection Act. However, legal drafters have been working to finalize the bill by removing contentious clauses. Motari assured that the bill will be enacted before the end of the current parliament, fulfilling the government's promise to senior citizens.
The International Day of Older Persons, marked on October 1, provided a platform for stakeholders to advocate for the rights and welfare of older persons in Kenya. With the government's assurance that the Older Persons Bill 2024 will be enacted before 2027, senior citizens can look forward to enhanced protection and support in the near future.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has assured senior citizens that the Older Persons Bill 2024 will be enacted into law before the 2027 general election.
- The bill aims to actualize Article 57 of the Constitution, guaranteeing the rights of older persons.
- Kenya's older population is projected to rise to between 5.5 and 6.5 million by 2035.
