Kenya recently put ageing at the centre of national attention with a series of events held in Nairobi and across the country's counties. The celebrations, which took place from September 30 to October 2, included conferences, scientific discussions, and the Silver Dignity Walk, showcasing the importance of dignity for older persons. Medical camps, sporting activities, cultural events, and social protection initiatives were also organised, engaging older persons and the community.
The International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) 2026 celebrations aimed to shift the narrative around ageing, moving beyond dependency and illness to recognise older persons as citizens, rights-holders, and contributors to society. The events presented older persons not merely as beneficiaries of social protection but as caregivers, professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and custodians of knowledge and culture.
A scientific and technical conference at the Kenya Institute of Special Education brought together stakeholders to address pressing questions related to ageing and older persons. Discussions focused on providing appropriate geriatric care, responding to dementia and non-communicable diseases, supporting family caregivers, protecting older persons from abuse and discrimination, and making social protection more responsive.
The Silver Dignity Walk and sporting activities challenged the assumption that older persons are synonymous with inactivity. An intergenerational village was created, allowing young and older people to discuss caregiving, mentorship, retirement, technology, and intergenerational responsibilities. Counties organised health screenings, medical camps, psychosocial support, and social protection registration, highlighting the critical role of county-level initiatives.
While celebrations are important, Kenya must now move from commemoration to implementation. Healthy ageing must become part of national and county development planning. Geriatric and gerontology education must be strengthened, and research must generate reliable evidence on the health, economic, and social circumstances of older persons.
An Academic Technical Working Group on Healthy Ageing and Older Persons was established to drive progress. The group should develop a national framework for strengthening healthy-ageing and gerontology education, map existing ageing-related courses and research programmes, and establish a collaborative research agenda focused on Kenya's most urgent ageing questions.
The real test of Kenya's commitment to its ageing population lies in the implementation of policies and programmes. The country must confront ageism, elder abuse, and discrimination, and ensure that older persons have a voice in decisions affecting their lives. The dignity of older persons cannot be seasonal; it must be a year-round commitment.
Key points
- Kenya must strengthen geriatric and gerontology education to support its ageing population.
- The country needs to create a social structure with institutions supportive of ageing and older persons' needs.
- Older persons must have a meaningful place in decision-making processes affecting their lives.
