IDOP 2026: A Milestone for Older Persons’ Rights and Healthy Ageing in Kenya

This year’s United Nations International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) was particularly significant, marking the first national conference dedicated to advancing older persons’ rights and healthy ageing in Kenya. Held from 30 September to 4 October 2026, the conference was convened under the theme “Advancing Healthy Ageing and Older Persons’ Rights in Kenya: Coordinated Health, Social Protection, and Community Action.”

Co-convened by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the Ministry of Health, alongside key partners, the conference provided an important platform for coordinated dialogue on healthcare, income security, social protection and the rights of older persons. It underscored the need to translate commitments into practical action that enables older persons to live with dignity, security and independence.

A key milestone was the launch of the Sensitization Booklet on Older Persons and Ageing in Kenya. The booklet provides a resource for raising public awareness about ageing, strengthening understanding of older persons’ rights and challenging ageism and discrimination. By supporting sensitization among communities, service providers and policymakers, it can help bring conversations about ageing into everyday practice and decision-making.

The conference marked an important step in strengthening national attention to ageing. The task ahead is to build on this momentum through stronger implementation, accessible services, effective social protection and meaningful participation of older persons in decisions affecting their lives.