What happened in 2008?

Building on last year’s successful meetings, a delegation of older people met with key policy makers. They asked for changes to be made nationally to improve the lives of thousands of Kenyan older people.

200 older people and supporters joined the delegation in a march to parliament where they met with ministers, including the:

• Financial Secretary (Ministry of Finance)
  
• Director of Budgets (Ministry of Finance)
• Director of Pensions (Ministry of Finance)
  
• Senior Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

A list of asks were presented to the parliamentarians. These included a commitment from the government to:

• Implement the recommendations of the Madrid Plan of Action on Ageing and the African Union Policy Framework and Plan of Action on Ageing.
• Complete and ratify the draft national policy on ageing by 2009.
• Provide universal non-contributory social pensions for all people aged 60 and over by 2015.
• Provide healthcare specifically tailored to the unique needs of older men and women.
  
• Provide free medical care for persons over 60 years by 2010.
• Review government employment policies – particularly those on retirement age, which should be increased to 60.

In response to these asks, a follow-up meeting has been scheduled with the Ministry of Finance. HelpAge International's Social Protection Officer will meet with ministers to discuss the implementation of a universal non-contributory social pension. They will also examine the budget implications of providing free medical treatment for older persons.

The delegation were also assured that the national policy on ageing will be discussed by cabinet ministers. 

As well as facilitating this meeting HelpAge Kenya will be taking part in national celebrations. Older people will perform drama and play music at an event to celebrate age.

The delegation

Kimani Maruge, 88

Kimani started school when he was 84, but he is determnined to get a certficate in veterinary science. This year he was officially recognised as the oldest student in the world!

Read more about Kimani on the BBC News Website.

Highlights from 2007

• The ministry of Finance’s Permanent Secretary pledged to propose the requested raise in retirement age in the next parliamentary session.
• The Ministry of Gender, Culture, Sports and Social Services made a commitment to work on a national policy to improve the welfare of older people.
• Efforts are being made to improve accessibility to health services for older people, by offering free medical care and establishing special services in hospitals.