STATEMENT ON THE COMMEMORATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) joins Kenya and the global community in commemorating the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) 2025.  Commemorated annually on the first day of October, States are expected to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of ageing, promote the dignity and rights of older persons, and affirm the central role of older persons in driving social, economic, and cultural development.

The year’s theme is “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights." It reminds us to recognise and support the transformative role that older persons play in shaping national and county development.

Kenya’s demographic landscape is shifting. The 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census recorded 2.7 million people aged 60 years and above (6% of the population), a proportion projected to rise to 10% by 2050 (World Population Prospects, 2019). The majority of older persons live in rural areas, where access to healthcare and social protection is limited. Older persons are the custodians of wisdom, culture, and intergenerational continuity.

Kenya has made significant gains in safeguarding the rights of older persons through legislative, policy, institutional, and programmatic measures. The Constitution of Kenya guarantees older persons the right to social security, non-discrimination, education, participation, dignity, and protection from abuse, while obligating the State, together with families, to provide care and reasonable assistance. Key measures include the National Social Protection Policy (2023), the National Policy on Older Persons and Ageing (2018, revised), and the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme. In the health sector, the Kenya Health Policy (2014–2030), the Healthy Ageing and Older Persons’ Health Strategy (2022–2026), and the National Health Sector Strategic Plan (2018–2023) have prioritised improving healthcare services for older persons, especially those in rural and underserved areas.

The Government has also embarked on the development of the Older Persons’ Bill, 2024, while the rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) promises to enhance access to affordable and quality healthcare for older persons. NGEC commends these initiatives as critical steps towards protecting and empowering older persons.

Despite these gains, many older persons continue to face financial insecurity, limited access to healthcare, discrimination, neglect, and elder abuse. Traditional family support systems are weakening due to urbanisation and migration, leaving many older persons socially isolated. Without deliberate, coordinated action, these vulnerabilities will deepen as the population ages.

As we mark this day, NGEC persuades government, county administrations, civil society, the private sector, and communities to take more bold and deliberate steps to ensure older persons live with prescribed dignity, security, and inclusion.  More specifically;

1. Amplify the voices of older persons by ensuring their representation in decision-making platforms at national and county levels.
2. Accelerate the enactment and implementation of the Older Persons’ Bill, 2024, to safeguard rights and strengthen legal accountability for age-based discrimination and abuse.
3. Scale-up investment in healthcare support systems and services for older persons, including community health programmes, and integration of geriatric care into primary health systems.
4. Strengthen social protection coverage, ensuring timely and adequate cash transfers, and expand innovative income security measures for older persons living outside the formal pension system.
5. Bridge the digital divide by promoting digital literacy and affordable access to technology, enabling older persons to participate in the digital economy and access online services.
6. Promote intergenerational solidarity through community-based initiatives that strengthen family support systems and harness the wisdom, skills, and mentorship capabilities of older persons for national development.
7. Enhance data and research on ageing to guide targeted interventions, monitor progress, and ensure accountability in addressing the needs and rights of older persons.

The Commission reaffirms its commitment to monitoring compliance, advising the government, and advocating for policies and programmes that safeguard the dignity, well-being, and rights of older persons.

To the older persons of Kenya: we honour your invaluable contributions, claim your rights, and live up to your aspirations.

Thank you.

Hon. Rehema Jaldesa
Chairperson