Calls to protect and care for the aged

Murang’a,

Sunday, October 1, 2023

KNA by Bernard Munyao

Wife of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi Ms Tessia Musalia has said that in contemporary society, the elderly are faced with numerous pressing issues which need to be addressed.

Musalia said this on Saturday in a speech read on her behalf at Chui, Murang’a County during celebrations to mark International Day of Elderly Persons organized by Ahadi Kenya Trust and called for recognition of the dignity, worth and rights of the elderly people in the society.

She observed that elders have weathered storms of life, and in their frailty, they seek warmth of companionship, the solace of being heard, and the comfort of being cared for.

“In today's fast-paced world, too many elderly individuals find themselves marginalised, living in solitude, disconnected from the very society they helped build. It's crucial that we remember that aging is not a choice, but a natural part of the human experience, and it should not result in isolation or rejection,” she said.

Musalia further noted some aged people are grappling with financial difficulties saying despite their lifetime contributions, many are living on meager pensions and struggling to make ends meet.

“Healthcare costs, housing, and daily necessities become increasingly burdensome. This financial hardship leaves them vulnerable and compromises their ability to enjoy a dignified life,” she added.

She called for an inclusive environment where the aged are actively engaged, their voices are heard, and their needs are met.

“It is incumbent upon governments, organisations, and communities to ensure that our elderly citizens have access to social safety nets, affordable healthcare, and adequate housing,” she appealed.

She added, “We must work tirelessly to secure their financial well-being and provide them the means to live a life of dignity, free from the constant anxiety of financial hardship."

On his part, Director of Ahadi Kenya Trust Dr Stanley Kamau asked young people to stop neglecting the aged people and instead spare time and visit them especially those in rural areas.

Kamau who has been donating food among other necessities to the elderly persons for past years called upon the government to increase the aged monthly stipend to Sh 5, 000 saying with the current economic situation Sh 2, 000 is of meaningful support.

At the same time, Kamau expressed concern of increased attacks of the aged saying they are being robbed of the stipend they get from the government.

“We have heard of incidents where some elderly people have been attacked while they are being robbed of the small amount of money they get from the government,” he said.

“It's also worrying that we heard of elderly people being killed in Kisii on suspicion they are practicing witchcraft, while others in Mt Kenya want to grab their parcels of land. We call the relevant government authorities to ensure the safety of our aged people,” he added.

Nominated MP Ms. Sabina Chege on her part said she will lobby among the parliamentarians for the increase of the stipend given to the aged people saying the money has assisted many of the elderly persons.

“I will ensure the issue pertaining to the increment of the monthly stipend for the elderly is addressed by the national assembly,” said Chege.

Murang’a County Youth and Social Services CEC Mr. Manoah Gachucha said the county government will launch a process to register the elderly persons under Kang’ata Care programme to ensure they get free medical care when they fall sick.

“In the first phase of the programme more than 100,000 persons have been listed and Governor Irungu Kang’ata has allocated funds to enroll more people where the aged will be preferred,” said Gachucha.

During the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of Lotto Foundation, Ms. Joan Mwaura led her organisation to donate food stuff to more than 500 aged people drawn from parts of Mathioya sub county to commemorate the day.

Courtesy; KNA