Machakos: The State Department for Social Protection, Department for Senior Citizens is in its final stages of preparing a draft sensitisation booklet aimed at empowering, integrating, and protecting the dignity of senior citizens.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Peter Ochieng, Director of Senior Citizen Affairs, informed a three-day stakeholder meeting at the Institute for the Blind in Machakos about the booklet. It offers practical guidance on how to support, care for, and integrate older people into society. Dr. Ochieng emphasized that the booklet is set to address rising issues concerning older persons by outlining challenges and opportunities, while addressing longstanding welfare gaps through a coordinated and structured system.
“The booklet was validated during a multi-sectoral workshop that brought together government officials, state agencies, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and representatives of older persons from different parts of the country,” said Dr. Ochieng. He noted that the booklet covers a wide range of issues affecting older persons, including healthcare, social protection, infrastructure, transport, and safety, providing guidance on creating an age-friendly and inclusive environment for the elderly.
Civil society organizations supporting older persons acknowledged the booklet as an eye-opener. Dr. Njoroge Waweru, a Board member and Director of Ageing Dignified Kenya (ADK), stated that the lack of coordination had previously led to duplication of services in some areas and neglect in others. “This booklet allows us to see where there is duplication and where there are gaps so that we can work together to ensure services for older persons are comprehensive and well-coordinated,” he said.
Dr. Waweru disclosed that once launched, the document will open new opportunities for capacity building and research. Institutions of higher learning can draw from the booklet to develop training, research, and programs targeting older persons. Mr. Kinuthia Wamwangi, representing older persons, noted that the stakeholder meeting allowed older people to voice their experiences and shape a document that reflects their realities.
“We have gone through the book and agreed that it represents what we would like to say about ourselves. It highlights the programs the government is implementing and informs all stakeholders of their responsibility toward older persons, especially the inclusion of older persons,” added Kinuthia. He mentioned that the book was informed by issues like abandonment, multiple chronic diseases, and lack of sustainability faced by older people after retirement.
Dr. Lynette Ochuma, Head of the Directorate of Social Protection, confirmed that the booklet will be launched in September 2026 and will be used for advocacy and awareness for older persons. She highlighted that it will also focus on legal instruments and issues such as elder abuse, which has been rampant in areas like Kilifi and Kisii counties. The booklet will guide them on necessary steps and actions to take in such situations.
Once operational, Dr. Ochuma pointed out that the Older Persons Booklet is expected to significantly improve service delivery for older persons in Kenya, through inclusion in various societal projects, better healthcare, and protection of their dignity.
