The wife of 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.
Ms. Musalia said this on Saturday in a speech read on her behalf at Chui, Murang’a County, during celebrations to mark the International Day of Elderly Persons organised by the Ahadi Kenya Trust, and called for recognition of the dignity, worth, and rights of the elderly people in 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 ageing 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 that some elderly people are grappling with financial difficulties, saying that despite their lifetime contributions, many are living on meagre pensions and struggling to make ends meet.
“Healthcare costs, housing, and daily necessities have 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 elderly 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, the Director of Ahadi Kenya Trust, Dr. Stanley Kamau, asked young people to stop neglecting the elderly and instead spare time and visit them, especially those in rural areas.
Kamau, who has been donating food and other necessities to the elderly for years, called upon the government to increase the aged monthly stipend to Sh 5, 000, saying that with the current economic situation, Sh 2, 000 is not enough to satisfy their needs.
At the same time, Kamau expressed concern about increased attacks on the elderly, saying they were 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 elderly 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 elderly, saying the money has assisted many of the elderly.
“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 under the 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 people have been listed, and Governor Irungu Kang’ata has allocated funds to enrol more people where the elderly will be preferred,” said Gachucha.
On the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of Lotto Foundation, Ms. Joan Mwaura, led her organisation to donate food to more than 500 elderly people drawn from parts of Mathioya sub-county to commemorate the day.
By Bernard Munyao
