Beyond Ageing: Advancing the Rights, Dignity and Wellbeing of Older Persons in Kenya

Ethel Foundation for the Aged | Advocacy, Healthy Ageing and Social Protection

Ageing is a natural part of life. How older persons experience it, however, depends significantly on the support systems, policies, services and attitudes within their communities.

In Kenya, the rights of older persons are recognised in the Constitution. Article 57 provides for older persons’ right to participate fully in society, pursue personal development, live with dignity and respect, be free from abuse, and receive reasonable care and assistance from their family and the State.

These commitments provide an important foundation for building a society in which growing older does not mean becoming invisible, excluded or vulnerable to neglect.

Understanding the realities of older persons

Older persons may experience barriers to accessible healthcare, adequate nutrition, social protection, economic security and meaningful participation in community decision-making. Others face isolation, discrimination, neglect, financial exploitation or abuse.

Addressing these challenges requires more than isolated interventions. It calls for coordinated action involving government institutions, healthcare providers, families, community organisations, caregivers, civil society and older persons themselves.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection’s Sensitization Booklet on Older Persons and Ageing in Kenya provides a useful reference for understanding the rights, responsibilities, care systems and support mechanisms relevant to ageing in Kenya.

Turning commitments into action

At Ethel Foundation for the Aged (EFA), our work is guided by the conviction that every older person deserves a dignified life free from want, abuse, neglect and discrimination.

This commitment translates into practical action across several interconnected areas:

• Healthcare and nutrition: Promoting access to age-responsive healthcare, screening, nutrition support and appropriate referrals.
• Social protection: Strengthening awareness of available support systems and advocating for improved access to essential services.
• Protection and safeguarding: Promoting awareness of older persons’ rights, identifying risks of abuse and strengthening pathways for reporting and support.
• Participation and social connection: Creating opportunities for older persons to contribute to community life, build relationships and engage meaningfully across generations.
• Caregiver and community capacity: Supporting the knowledge and capacity of caregivers and community actors involved in older persons’ care.
• Advocacy and policy influencing: Connecting lived experiences with evidence to encourage responsive policies, services and institutional accountability.

Intergenerational solidarity: A shared responsibility

A society that respects older persons recognises their knowledge, experience, contributions and continuing capacity to shape its future.

Young people, families, community leaders and institutions all have a role in challenging age-based stereotypes, preventing abuse, supporting social inclusion and ensuring that older persons are heard in decisions that affect their lives.

Intergenerational engagement should go beyond symbolic appreciation. It should create meaningful opportunities for shared learning, participation, companionship and collective action.

From awareness to measurable change

Awareness is an essential starting point, but it must lead to action. Rights must be understood, services must be accessible, abuse must be addressed, and institutions must be responsive to the realities older persons experience.

EFA will continue to connect community experiences, programme implementation, research and advocacy to promote more inclusive and age-responsive systems.

Let older persons’ realities shape the evidence. Let evidence shape policy. Let policy shape action.

Together, we can help build communities where every older person is respected, protected, included and able to live with dignity.

Learn more about Ethel Foundation for the Aged:
Website: www.ethelfoundation.or.ke
Email: info@ethelfoundation.or.ke