As Kenyans look forward to celebrating Mashujaa Day on Sunday, a section of senior citizens in Nakuru County have decried neglect by the government.
Addressing journalists in Nakuru, the senior citizens who joined the Rift Valley Council of Elders for their meeting at Kabazi centre, Subukia Sub-County on Thursday accused the government of making empty promises.
towards senior citizens in the country.
While citing the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme that was meant to improve their welfare, the senior citizens said the programme has had challenges such as delays in the disbursement of the funds.
Led by Mr Gilbert Kabage who is also the Rift Valley Council of Elders patron, the senior citizens also raised concerns over the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) registration stating that some have registered but when they fall ill and visit hospitals with the cards they are told they have no money.
They further noted that others have not been registered for the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme yet they have attained the age bracket required for the beneficiaries of the programme.
According to the senior citizens, the Jubilee administration has failed to implement promises made towards the elderly in the country.
They are now calling on President Uhuru Kenyatta to ensure better welfare for the elderly whom they term as the real heroes in the country for their contribution towards independence.
“The senior citizens of this country have no reason to celebrate Mashujaa Day. They have not received the Sh2,000 for the Inua Jamii programme and they have no NHIF cards,” said Kabage.
The sentiments were echoed by Kabazi Ward MCA Dr Peter Mbae who stated that the real heroes who should be celebrated are the senior citizens who have contributed towards the wellbeing of the nation.
According to Mbae who has already petitioned the National Assembly over NHIF and cash transfer for the elderly, orphans and vulnerable children and well as persons living with disabilities, the senior citizens should be given the right environment to live in.
“We cannot talk of heroes if our senior citizens still have challenges. These are the real heroes who should be celebrated,” said Mbae.