Suqoon Founder Shakira Khawaja during the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) conference at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) in Nairobi.
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, Thursday, October 1, 2026 — Kenya is strengthening efforts to promote the welfare of older persons through expanded social protection, improved healthcare and stronger partnerships as the country’s ageing population is projected to triple to 12 million by 2050.
Speaking during the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) conference at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) in Nairobi, Suqoon Founder Shakira , called for sustained collaboration between national and county governments, development partners and civil society to ensure older persons enjoy longer, healthier and more dignified lives.
According to the National Council for Population and Development, Kenya currently has approximately 3.6 million people aged 60 and above, with most expected to be women living in rural areas.
Shakira celebrated increased life expectancy as a major public health achievement, highlighting the role of vaccination, improved nutrition, clean water and healthcare in helping people live longer.
She also recognised the government’s Inua Jamii programme, which provides Sh2,000 monthly to eligible Kenyans aged 70 and above who do not receive a pension. The programme reaches more than 1.2 million Kenyans, alongside persons with severe disabilities.
She urged stakeholders to build on these achievements by extending social protection, advancing the Older Persons Bill, 2024, and strengthening healthcare access for people aged 60 and above.
She highlighted the contribution of older persons to families and communities, noting that many continue to raise grandchildren, farm, run businesses and support household welfare.
“Who is the beneficiary of that payment? On paper, she is. In reality, it is three generations,” she said, illustrating how cash transfers to older persons benefit entire families.
The Suqoon founder also called for greater investment in geriatric care, caregiver training and community-based support services. She cited home modifications, including grab rails and improved lighting, as practical measures that help older people maintain their independence and live safely in familiar surroundings.
Through partnerships with organisations including Safaricom and the Chandaria Foundation, Suqoon supports home modifications that promote safe ageing.
Shakira acknowledged the longstanding contributions of HelpAge Kenya, KARIKA, MICOP, Ageing Concern Foundation, AgeWatch Africa, CPF Group Foundation and La Vie Foundation in advancing the rights and welfare of older persons.
She also paid tribute to Agnes Kariuki, who founded the Kibera Day Care Centre for the Elderly in 1989 with 17 older persons. By the time of her death, the centre, through 31 associations, was reaching more than 3,200 older people.
The conference brought together the Ministries of Health and Labour and Social Protection, older persons’ organisations, researchers, caregivers, county governments and development partners to strengthen coordination and advance a shared agenda for healthy ageing.
The discussions are expected to inform a Call to Action focusing on the Older Persons Bill, improved access to ageing research, the continued development of Inua Jamii and stronger support for caregivers.
“An elder is not where the life cycle closes. She is where it turns,” she said, underscoring the importance of investing in older persons for the benefit of families, communities and future generations.
