NAIROBI, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Kenya requires a radical policy shift in order to cushion senior citizens from abject poverty, homelessness, illiteracy, diseases and social exclusion, campaigners said on Sunday on the eve of the International Day of Older Persons.
The elderly campaigners said that promoting the welfare of the ageing population through robust social safety net programs is key to realize socio-economic progress in Kenya.
"Today in Kenya, older activists are campaigning for universal quality healthcare, improved access to social protection, more affordable and accessible assistive devices for those living with disabilities, more accessible infrastructure, better safety for older women and greater support for caregivers," said 69 years old Jane Nyawira Miano.
Miano and dozens of her elderly peers earlier held a procession in Nairobi's Kibera slums to highlight their dire plight linked to exclusion from mainstream economic activities, neglect and declining health status.
Elijah Mwega, an elderly campaigner said that a robust outreach targeting national leaders, policymakers and captains of industry is key to ensure the interests of senior citizens are embedded in national development programs.
Other elderly campaigners drawn from rural counties stressed that Kenya's leap into a middle income economy hinges on tapping the expertise and innovations from the ageing population.
Kenya will mark the International Day of Older Persons in the North West County of Bomet where national leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to promote the welfare of senior citizens.
Global campaigners said that advocacy must be intensified to ensure that domestic and international human rights conventions recognize the interests of older people.
