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Older persons from Nairobi Sub counties today merged at the Joseph Kang’ethe Hall in Woodly to mark the United Nations International Day for Older Persons with the theme of “Resilience and Contributions of Older Women.”
In the celebrations that attracted hundreds of the aged, the senior citizens asked the government to reduce the age at which they receive the government’s cash transfer funds.
They said due to lack of support from family or government; the elderly die of hunger, health issues, and abuse leading to death before getting to 65 years.
Kibera Day Care Center for Elder CEO and Founder, Agnes Kariuki said gone are days when old people used to suffer abuse from relatives and society so that they die and leave possessions to their kins.
“We are evolving from the stereotype that women were only good for house chores, they are taking responsibilities in government, non-governmental organizations, and leadership forums. According to this year’s theme, we are focused on capacity building, sensitizing on the rights and entitlement of older women in the society,” Agnes said.
Officers from the social development department in the sub-counties urged children to be committed to taking care of their parents and paying for their health insurance.
“Let it be our responsibility to ensure that the elderly get a balanced diet and access to medical care,” they said.
Stephen Etyang a 73-year-old man from the Kibera sub-county said the government needs to facilitate a fast cash transfer programme monthly to enable them survive.
Newly Woodley elected MCA Davidson Ngubuini pledged to represent the interest of the elderly at the county assembly and ensure their demands are met.
“I will be available and accessible for your services. We are going to be sworn in on Thursday and I promise to link your children to jobs, ward development funds and bursaries will be availed for you. I will champion Bills will save the real hustlers,” he said.
He added that the people with businesses will not be harassed by the county askaris as they will reform the tax collection system in Nairobi.