NGEC urges govt to address older persons welfare

NGEC Chairperson Winfred Lichuma has called on the government to operationalize the National Social Assistance Act, 2013 and the National Social Security Fund Act, 2013 amendments to secure an improvement of the social program for older members of society and other vulnerable populations.

Lichuma also  urged the government to increase coverage and intensity  of social welfare programs to guarantee economic, social and cultural rights enumerated in Article 43 of the constitution; and  families to treat older members with dignity and provide an enabling environment for self-development.

“It is the responsibility of the state, communities and families to protect older members and ensures they are free from abuse” said Lichuma in statement delivered during the occasion to mark the International Day of older persons.

In Nyeri County, NGEC Vice chairperson Commissioner Simon Ndubai joined residents to mark the international day of older persons at the Dedan Kimathi grounds. Ndubai urged relevant arms of the government to ensure those charged with the responsibility of ensuring the welfare of older persons perform their duties with diligence to ensure a decent life for senior citizens.

Nyeri County Commissioner Mr. Michael Tialal urged the community to take care of the elderly even as the government explored measures to address their welfare. Nyeri county First Lady Mrs. Margaret Gachagua called for the plight of the boy child to be addressed. She later launched a report by NGEC dubbed “whipping wisdom’ which documents cases of violence meted against the elderly.

The theme for 2014 International Day of older persons is ‘Leaving No One Behind: Promoting a Society for all’.

Commissioner Simon Ndubai joins the elderly in a dance to mark the International Day of Older Persons at the Dedan Kimathi grounds in Nyeri County

NGEC urges govt to address older persons welfare