The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) joins Kenya and the global community in commemorating the United Nations International Day of Older Persons on 1st October. We honour older persons’ contributions to families, communities and national development and reaffirm the importance of protecting their rights and dignity. 

The 2026 theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” challenges all actors to adapt healthcare, social protection, housing, labour and digital services that guarantee longer lives. The World Health Organisation projects that the global population of persons aged 60 and above will reach 1.4 billion by 2030 and 2.1 billion by 2050. In Kenya, the 2019 Census recorded approximately 2.7 million older persons (about 6 per cent ), and was modelled to reach 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million by 2030.

 Article 57 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 requires the State to enable older persons to participate fully in society, pursue personal development, live in dignity and respect, remain free from abuse, and receive reasonable care and assistance from their families and the State. Realising these aspirations demands coordinated action beyond welfare assistance.

The Commission recognises progress made through the Social Protection Act, 2025; the National Policy on Older Persons and Ageing, 2018; the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme; and health reforms under the Social Health Authority. The ongoing development of the Older Persons Bill and review of the national policy offer opportunities to strengthen protection. Nevertheless, many older persons continue to face income insecurity, limited access to healthcare and limited access to digital solutions, discrimination, neglect, abuse, financial exploitation and property dispossession. The rapid changes in family support systems have deepened social isolation. 

The Commission calls upon national and county governments, civil society, the private sector, development partners and communities to prioritise the following: 

1) Legal protection and accountability: Finalise comprehensive legislation on older persons’ rights, implement existing laws and policies, and improve access to justice and effective redress. 

2) Age-responsive health and care services: Expand affordable, quality care for chronic conditions, rehabilitation, mental health, palliative and long-term care; strengthen community-based services and support for families and caregivers for older persons.

3) Social protection and economic security: Expand sustainable income support system, including for those who old persons who previously worked in the informal sector.

 4) Participation and inclusion: Involve older persons meaningfully in national and county decisions, from policy design to implementation. Recognise them as rights-holders and contributors of solutions.

 5) Protection from discrimination and abuse: Address neglect, violence, economic exploitation and property dispossession. Provide accessible reporting mechanisms. Evidence shows that older women, older persons with disabilities and those in poverty-stricken areas or marginalised communities suffer most from these vices. 

6) Age-friendly and digitally inclusive communities: Improve accessible housing, transport, infrastructure and other services. Bridge the digital divide through affordable technology, literacy and accessible platforms. 

7) Data and accountability: Strengthen data, research, and targeted budgeting to support measuring progress.

NGEC reaffirms its commitment to monitoring equality and inclusion, advising national and county governments, and working with stakeholders to advance the rights, dignity and well-being of older persons. Longer lives must mean more years lived with dignity, security, independence and meaningful participation. To older persons across Kenya, we honour your contributions and your role in shaping our nation. Let us build inclusive systems that serve every generation. 

Happy International Day of Older Persons. 

Thank you.

 Hon. Rehema Jaldesa 

CHAIRPERSON