Calls To Protect And Care For The Aged As The Elderly Day Is Marked
Director of Ahadi Kenya Dr. Stanley Kamau, Nominated MP Sabina Chege and Lotto Foundation CEO Joan Mwaura donate blankets and foodstuff to elderly people in Chui area of Murang’a county. Photo/Bernard Munyao.
By Bernard Munyao
Worth Noting:
- Ms Musalia further noted some aged people are grappling with financial difficulties saying despite their lifetime of 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.
- Tessia 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, organizations, and communities to ensure that our elderly citizens have access to social safety nets, affordable healthcare, and adequate housing.” She appealed.
Various stakeholders have called for recognition of the dignity, worth and rights of the elderly people in the society.
During celebrations to Mark International Day of Elderly persons at Chui area in Murang’a over the weekend, some leaders decried increased isolation and negligence of the elderly people.
Madam Tessia Musalia, wife of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, in her speech read during the event organized by Ahadi Kenya Trust, observed that in contemporary society the elderly are faced with numerous pressing issues which need to be addressed.
Tessia 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 marginalized, 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 stated.
Ms Musalia further noted some aged people are grappling with financial difficulties saying despite their lifetime of 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.
Tessia 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, organizations, 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 Sh5,000 saying with the current economic situation, Sh2,000 can’t be of meaningful support.
At the same time Kamau expressed concerns of increased attacks of the aged 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. 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.” said Kamau.
Nominated MP 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 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 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, Joan Mwaura let her organization to donate food stuff to more than 500 aged people drawn from parts of Mathioya sub county to commemorate the day.
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