Enhancing the Lives of Older People in Urban Kenya

Key Insights from the AFD Inua Jamii 70+ Project

Published

Kenya is experiencing a significant demographic shift, with a growing number of older people. According to a World Bank report, around 3.2 million people in Kenya, or nearly 6 per cent of the population, are aged 60 or over. This increase is partly due to improved healthcare, which has raised life expectancy to about 61 years.

As Kenya’s population ages, urbanisation is also on the rise, with many people moving to cities for better opportunities. However, older people in urban areas often face numerous challenges. Many live in poverty and struggle with limited work opportunities, poor healthcare access, chronic illnesses, and age-related discrimination. Additionally, they suffer from low literacy levels, digital exclusion, poor housing conditions, social isolation, and the high cost of living.

About the project

To help address these issues, HelpAge in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) launched the Inua Jamii 70+ (IJ70+) project in 2019 in two Nairobi sub-counties. This project focused specifically on enhancing social protection and healthcare systems for at-risk older people in Nairobi’s Dagoretti and Kibra sub-counties.

The project has three main objectives:

  • Improving access: It aims to ensure that older people can more easily access the Inua Jamii 70+ cash transfer programme through training, awareness, and partnerships.
  • Increasing accountability: The project works to hold service providers accountable for delivering better services to older people through advocacy and monitoring.
  • Enhancing capacity: It focuses on building the capacity of organisations to deliver inclusive programmes for older people.

Key innovations include combining cash transfers with healthcare services, using technology for efficient delivery, and empowering older people to advocate for their rights.

 

Wellbeing of older people

The AFD IJ70+ project has made a big difference in improving income security and healthcare for those in the programme in Dagoretti and Kibra, Nairobi. Thanks to the support of older citizen monitors (OCMs), older people now feel more confident in speaking up about their health and wellbeing, including pushing for better healthcare services.

Many participants shared that the regular cash payments have helped them manage their money better and reduce debt. Some have even used the funds to start small businesses like grocery shops, making liquid soap, and weaving baskets, creating extra sources of income.

“The teachings have really been very instrumental in attitude change, such as observing healthy eating, doing regular exercises, and readily reaching out to government officials and other duty bearers whenever we have concerns.” – Keziah*, 77 year old.

 

Use of technology as a delivery choice for the IJ70+ cash transfer

Technology has become a key part of how the cash transfer is delivered. The project has helped older beneficiaries in Dagoretti and Kibra gain new knowledge and skills through the Inua Jamii programme. Switching from manual to digital payments has made it easier and safer for older people to receive their money, reducing the risk of financial abuse by corrupt officials or caregivers. Digital literacy workshops have also empowered them to better understand and use technology for receiving their cash transfers.

Key recommendations

  1. Increase stipend amount – One of the main recommendations is to raise the monthly cash transfer amount to cover the basic needs of older people. This increase would help improve their standard of living and reduce poverty levels.
  2. Expand eligibility criteria by lowering the age criteria (currently at 70) – To ensure that all eligible older people benefit from the project, it is recommended that coverage is significantly increased. This would help ensure that no one is left behind.
  3. Enhance financial and digital literacy – Providing financial and digital literacy training for older people is essential. This would empower them to manage their finances better and safely access digital services, including cash transfers.
  4. Improve healthcare access – Streamlining the registration process for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and enhancing geriatric care services are crucial steps towards improving healthcare access for older people.
  5. Promote active ageing – Introducing policies that support age-friendly employment and financial independence would help promote active ageing, allowing older people to continue contributing to society.
  6. Strengthen technology use – Boosting digital literacy among older people is necessary to ensure they can safely access and use technology for cash transfers and other services.
  7. Support community structures – Expanding community structures like OPAs and OCMGs would improve advocacy efforts and service delivery, ensuring that older people have a stronger voice in their communities.
  8. Amplify advocacy efforts – Increasing support for campaigns like Age Demands Action (ADA) would help influence policy and raise awareness of the needs and rights of older adults.

Learnings and innovations in social protection for older people in urban Kenya

The AFD IJ70+ project has made a significant positive impact on the wellbeing of older people in urban Kenya.

However, to sustain these improvements and address ongoing challenges, continued support and innovation are needed.

Read the report to access key findings and recommendations to ensure that Kenya’s ageing population is well-supported and able to live with dignity.

Access the report here.