Barriers to social protection and healthcare challenges
The study used focus groups and interviews to understand the experiences of older people in the four counties. It found that many face obstacles such as:
- Age limits and lack of awareness – Many older people are unaware of available benefits or struggle to meet eligibility criteria.
- Financial constraints – Limited income and high healthcare costs make it difficult to access necessary services.
- Service inefficiencies – Long waiting times and poor prioritisation in hospitals hinder timely medical care.
- Infrastructure challenges – Poor roads and distant healthcare facilities make access difficult for those in remote areas.
Recommendations for strengthening social protection
The study offers practical solutions to improve older people’s access to essential services and support:
- Expand access to Inua Jamii – Introduce mobile and digital payment options with digital literacy support.
- Increase awareness – Improve outreach and communication to inform older people of available benefits.
- Enhance financial support – Raise Inua Jamii benefits and pensions to keep up with inflation.
- Prevent financial exploitation – Strengthen enforcement against fraud and abuse of social protection benefits.
- Ensure healthcare access – Prioritise older people in hospitals and improve assisted navigation.
- Tackle harmful cultural practices – Enforce laws against witchcraft accusations and violence.
- Combat ageism – Raise awareness and challenge discrimination, especially in healthcare.
- Address isolation and abuse – Support initiatives like older people’s homes for those in need.
Ensuring that older people in rural Kenya have access to adequate social protection and healthcare is crucial to their wellbeing. By addressing the barriers highlighted in this study and implementing these recommendations, the government can take significant steps towards improving the lives of older Kenyans. Investing in social protection today will build a more inclusive and supportive society for generations to come.
