International Day Of Older Persons 2026: Kenya Must Rethink Systems for Longer Lives

PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nairobi, Kenya — 1 October 2026

International Day Of Older Persons 2026: Kenya Must Rethink Systems for Longer Lives

As Kenya marks the International Day of Older Persons 2026 under the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” Development Through Media (DTM) calls for urgent action to make Kenya’s systems responsive to longer and healthier lives.

DTM urges the National and County Governments to mainstream ageing into development planning, strengthen social protection, expand accessible and person-centred healthcare, and create age-friendly communities. Older persons must be protected from abuse, neglect and discrimination and given meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their lives.

DTM also calls for greater recognition of older persons as contributors to families, communities and the economy, rather than merely recipients of care.

Kenya must move from reacting to ageing, to deliberately planning for longevity. This requires coordinated action by government, communities, civil society, the private sector and the media.

Longer lives are an achievement. Kenya must now ensure they are lived with dignity, security, health, purpose and belonging.

ENDS

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Signed:

Ms Dommie Yambo-Odotte,
Executive Director and Producer
Development Through Media (DTM)
“Empowering Communities Through Information, Participation, and Social Transformation.”

For Media Inquiries contact:
Communications Desk
Email: info[at]dtmafrica.com
Websites: https://www.dtmafrica.com; https://radiobaraza.org

About DTM
Development Through Media (DTM) is a pioneer media-based, not-for-profit Civil Society Organisation (M-CSO) in Kenya, dedicated to harnessing the power of media and communication for inclusive and transformative development. Through partnerships, capacity building, content creation, dissemination and advocacy, DTM empowers citizens—including youth and marginalised communities in the rural and urban areas—to actively participate in shaping the social, economic, and political decisions that affect their lives.