The Kenyan government has made a commitment to enact the Older Persons Bill, 2024, by the end of 2027. This move aims to address the challenges faced by the rapidly ageing population in Kenya. According to the Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs Principal Secretary, Joseph Motari, the legislation will provide a stronger framework for protecting the rights and welfare of older persons.
The announcement was made during a three-day national conference held to mark the International Day of Older Persons at the Kenya Institute of Special Education in Nairobi. The conference brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, health experts, and older persons. They discussed the need for a stronger framework to address the challenges faced by older persons, including gaps in healthcare, income security, and social protection.
Kenya's population of people aged 60 and above is estimated to be around 3.6 million and is projected to rise to nearly 12 million by 2050. The conference highlighted the need for long-term investment in healthcare, social protection, and opportunities that allow people to remain economically and socially active in later life. Participants also emphasized the importance of involving older persons in decisions that affect their lives.
The conference also sought to challenge the perception of older persons as passive recipients of government assistance. Delegates emphasized their continued contribution as caregivers, mentors, workers, and community leaders. They also raised concerns over fragmented interventions by government agencies, civil society, and communities, calling for stronger coordination in addressing the needs of an ageing population.
The government is working to expand cash transfer programmes targeting older persons. Additionally, a Sensitization Booklet on Older Persons and Ageing was launched to increase public awareness of ageing and the rights of older persons. The booklet was developed jointly by government and non-state actors, including organizations representing older persons.
Participants accessed free medical, legal, and wellness services at an Intergenerational Village established alongside the conference. The recommendations of the conference will be contained in the IDOP 2026 Conference Communiqué. Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary, Alfred Mutua, called for a shift in how society views ageing, urging stakeholders to build systems that allow Kenyans to grow old with dignity, security, and purpose.
Mutua emphasized the need to build a Kenya where ageing is not feared, and older age is not diminished. Every person should be able to look forward to later life with health, security, dignity, purpose, and opportunity. The government has condemned the exploitation and abuse of older persons, calling on communities to protect their dignity and rights.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has pledged to enact the Older Persons Bill by 2027 to address gaps in healthcare, income security, and social protection for the ageing population.
- The ageing population in Kenya is estimated to be around 3.6 million and is projected to rise to nearly 12 million by 2050.
- The government is working to expand cash transfer programmes targeting older persons and increase public awareness of ageing and the rights of older persons.
