By Shadrack Nyakoe
Kenyans on October 2 marked the International Day for Older Persons with the theme, “Pandemic: Does it Change How We Address Age and Ageing.”
The day is set aside to appreciate and celebrate senior citizens.
It’s also a call-to-action for government, organizations and individuals to create awareness about issues affecting older persons such as neglect, abandonment, violence and exploitation and the dreadful Covid-19 pandemic.
Sad incidences have been reported in coastal regions and some parts of Kisii counties where old people were named witches and suffered extreme violence by the community and section of families.
The ministry of labor and social protection has come up with a rescue center in Mwea, Kirinyaga County where assaulted or those neglected may find refuge and care.
The government has also put in place policies and interventions that help reduce their vulnerabilities.
The pandemic has highlighted underlying structural weaknesses cutting across sustainable development goals on poverty eradication, good health, education, income, water, and sanitation.
The CS for Labour and Social Protection Simon Chelugui said the government in collaboration with development partners commits to actively continue implementing programs and interventions that address the plight of the elderly in Kenya.
At the same time, Chelugui launched a Baseline Survey Report of Kenya’s Inua Jamii 70 years and above Cash Transfer programme which aims at improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable in the society.
The cash transfer programme covers 70 years and over who are not in receipt of a civil service or social security pension.
“Formulation of policies and the enactment of laws and regulations based on evidence- based programming is crucial. It is also important that Social Protection and Older Persons programmes be informed by research conducted regularly by credible national and international institutions,” he said.
Chelugui said this is will assist the Government and stakeholders though the data made available to identify urgent policy gaps, design feasible policy interventions, and implement, monitor, and evaluate those interventions.
Beneficiaries acquire Kenya Shillings 2,000 per month.
Currently a total 833,000 senior citizens benefit on the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme.
Chelugui said an additional kshs 10 billion has been set aside by the government to cushion elderly, orphans, and other vulnerable households from adverse effects of Covid-19.