The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) joins the rest of the world in marking and celebrating the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP). This year’s theme is, “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide”.
The day offers Kenya, an opportunity to appreciate the role played by older persons in the social and economic advancement of the country. It provides an opportunity to evaluate the systems in place to ensure that citizens age in dignity.
Moreover, the day also presents an opportunity for the Government to advance the provisions of Article 57 of the constitution of Kenya 2010 and raise awareness on the rights of older persons. KNCHR takes cognizant of the critical role played by older persons in furtherance of Human Rights through their contribution in all spheres of life including the health sector.
The Commission acknowledges the legislative, policy and administrative measures undertaken by the Government to protect, respect and fulfil the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in line with National, regional and international Human Rights frameworks.
These measures include the enactment of the National Policy on Older Persons and Ageing, the National Social Protection Policy (NSPP), the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and Retirement Benefits Act Health Care and Social Welfare Programme like the Cash Transfer under the “Inua Jamii Senior Citizens' Scheme” meant to provide social safety nets for the older persons Page
To ensure the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the older persons are upheld in order to improve their welfare and quality of life, the Commission calls upon the state to:
a) Expedite that full implementation of the Policy on Older and Ageing Persons, and other enabling legislations geared towards enhancing the fulfilment of the rights of old persons.
b) Expedite the finalization and enactment of the Older Persons Bill, 2024.
c) Improve and enhance the existing Health Care and Social Welfare Programme for all the older persons in the society.
d) Adequately resource the existing Health Care and Social Welfare Programmes for older persons to include budgetary allocation and human capital.
e) Enhance information sharing and coordination of interventions meant to address the unique needs of older persons.
f) Ensure the Retirement Benefits Authority, NSSF and all Pension Schemes expedite the processing and payment of pensions for older persons immediately upon retirement.
g) Actively participate in the development of the United Nations Convention on the rights of older persons, which is currently at the Open-Ended Working Group Stage.
Finally, the Commission shall continue to discharge its constitutional duty of protecting and promoting the rights of the elderly and all Kenyans. The Commission calls upon anyone with concerns about any Human Rights violations to contact us via-: SMS-22359, Email- complaint@knchr.org or on our Toll Free Line 0800 720 627.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is an Independent National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) established under Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and the KNCHR Act, 2011. The Commission’s mandate is the promotion and protection of human rights in Kenya.
May Justice be our Shield and Defender!
Roseline Odede, HSC, Chairperson,
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)