NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 1 — Older persons took to the streets of Nairobi on Thursday in the inaugural Silver Dignity Walk, opening Kenya’s first national celebration of the International Day of Older Persons and putting dignity, inclusion and healthy ageing at the centre of a growing national debate.
The walk brought together older persons, government officials, health professionals, development partners and community members ahead of a two-day national conference at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE).
The event comes as Kenya confronts a rapidly ageing population, with more than 3.2 million people aged 60 and above, a figure projected to rise to between 5.5 million and 6.5 million by 2035.
Dr Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, in remarks delivered by Ministry of Health Secretary Administration James Ntabo, challenged participants to make the walk a sustained movement for healthy ageing rather than a one-day event.
“I challenge us to keep the Silver [Dignity] Steps going even after the conference until next year, when we shall convene for the Silver [Dignity] Run.”
Oluga said the planned run had already attracted support from Athletics Kenya, Safaricom and KCB, with Athletics Kenya agreeing to waive participation fees.
“It just confirmed that older persons, you are loved, you are respected,” he said.
The walk opened discussions on whether Kenya’s health, social protection and care systems are adequately prepared for a population living longer.
The Ministry said it has approved the establishment of the country’s first Level 6 geriatric hospital and is pursuing the integration of geriatric care into primary healthcare.
It also plans to expand access to essential geriatric medicines, strengthen training in geriatrics and gerontology and improve research and collaboration on ageing.
The Ministry is finalising a comprehensive dementia action plan as part of efforts to respond to dementia, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions affecting older persons.
Jeremy Veillard, Manager for Health Policy and Regulations at the World Bank Group, said longer life expectancy requires countries to rethink how their systems are designed.
“Healthy longevity and aging, it’s a dual policy window. It’s about rethinking systems and harnessing the silver economy.”
Veillard said health systems built around individual diseases and episodic treatment are increasingly inadequate for people living longer with multiple chronic conditions.
“Longevity is a global development success story. Living longer in good health is the next challenge, which calls for our systems to adapt.”
The inaugural national conference is being held under the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives”, bringing together policymakers, researchers, health professionals, caregivers, older persons and development partners.
The discussions are examining how Kenya can strengthen healthcare, social protection and community support while recognising older persons as contributors to families, communities and the economy.
