Elders in Siaya are calling on the government to consider increasing the monthly stipend paid to those aged 70 and above at least to Sh6,000 from Sh2000.
Speaking during celebrations to commemorate the International Day of the Older Persons, the elders, through the chairman of the Siaya County Older Persons Forum, George Odhiambo Were, lamented that the current amount had been eroded by inflation and the high cost of living, hence the need for a review.
Mr. Were, however, hailed the government for prioritising the payment of the stipends monthly instead of periodic payments.
He called on the national and county governments to implement international treaties for the elderly that demand, among other things, non-discrimination.
It was said that there is a need for special healthcare facilities for the elderly in society.
He said that poverty, coupled with hefty health care fees charged in both public and private hospitals, has seen most of them languish in the villages, waiting for death.
The chief guest during the celebrations, Rhodah Cherus, lamented over the rising cases where elderly women were being sexually abused by criminals and challenged the community to ensure that older persons do not stay alone in their homesteads.
Ms. Cherus, who represented the Siaya deputy county commissioner, called on victims of such heinous acts and the community at large not to shy away from reporting such incidents to security agencies so that investigations could be done and the perpetrators brought to book.
She further called on elders to help reduce disputes occasioned by land matters, some of which end in tragedy, by ensuring that they have ownership documents.
“You should also show your children their portions of land and other property early enough, and if possible, put it in your will,” said the assistant county commissioner.
KESPA non-governmental organisation programme officer, Daniel Odipo, said the organisation was working with like-minded organisations such as the Fred Hollows Foundation to help older people restore their sight.
He said that the organisation has been having outreach programmes throughout the county, and already several older people have undergone surgeries that have saved their sight.
Odipo said there was a need for concerted efforts by relevant stakeholders to come up with programmes that will ensure the inclusion of the elderly in preventive health care services, such as the distribution of mosquito nets.
He further lamented that the lack of drugs for ailments common to the elderly, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, urinary and heart diseases, neurological challenges, and many others, was taking a toll on the elderly and required urgent attention.
The programme officer challenged society to create a conducive environment for the elders.
“There is a need for a society where the elders enjoy their wellbeing, their voices are heard, and they are treated with dignity,” said Odipo, whose organisation, KESPA, jointly hosted the celebrations with several stakeholders.
By Philip Onyango
