Lobby groups have begun the process of establishing a national council for elderly persons in Kenya to safeguard the welfare of senior citizens and ensure their rights are respected.

The proposed body will bring together government ministries, agencies and organisations working with the elderly to harmonise interventions, streamline policies and ensure that issues affecting older persons are adequately addressed.

The country’s improved life expectancy has had an impact composition of the population, despite the accompanying health challenges, according Kenya Association of Physicians (KAP) report published on August 21, 2025. KAP Nairobi branch chair Rosslyn Ngugi says the ageing population is driving a surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension heart disease and chronic respiratory conditions.

Dr Ngugi noted that urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, alcohol and tobacco use are fuelling the trend.

Kenya’s life expectancy in 2025 is projected at 67.93 years, up from 63.4 in 2024 and 63.65 in 2023.

According to Rev Cornel Omondi of the Ethel Foundation for the Aged, the council will promote equality, protect human rights and enhance opportunities for senior citizens to live dignified lives.

“The national council is about uniting all older persons, regardless of tribe or culture and ensuring their rights are protected,” he said.

Rev Omondi emphasised that the council will also provide security, empowerment and protection as envisioned in the Older Persons Bill (Amendment), 2024, which is currently before parliament. He urged legislators to support the bill, stressing that older persons remain among the most neglected groups in society.

“The youth are cared for, women are supported, but the elderly are often left in a deplorable state. This bill seeks to restore their dignity,” Omondi added.

While noting that cultural councils such as the Luo Council of Elders already exist in parts of the country, Rev Omondi said the new framework seeks to formalise associations of older persons that are not tied to cultural or tribal affiliations.

This, he said, would enable them to directly contribute to transformative policies aimed at improving their welfare. The initiative will start at the grassroots with sensitisation campaigns to educate the elderly about their rights and ensure their voices are heard.

He made the remarks during International Day for Older Persons 2025 celebrations in Nyando Sub County, Kisumu County on Wednesday. Speaking at the forum, Nyando Deputy County Commissioner, Elijah Maranga underlined the need to value and support the elderly.

“Older people need the support of the younger generation. Too often, once they age, they are neglected. We must appreciate their contributions and take care of their needs,” Maranga said.

The event drew more than 1,100 elderly participants from across Kisumu County, giving them a platform to interact directly with government officials. Rev Omondi welcomed the turnout, saying the forum allowed older persons to learn about their rights without bureaucratic barriers.

“We are pleased because the elderly had the opportunity to engage one-on-one with government officials and feel recognized,” he said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Robert Ojwang and Wesley Odhiambo

Nyando Deputy County Commissioner, Elijah Maranga during the International Day for the Older Persons 2025 held in Nyando Sub county, Kisumu County on Wednesday October 1, 2025. Photo by Wesley Odhiambo.