NAIROBI, Kenya – Public health and professional standards PS Mary Muthoni has appealed to Kenyans of goodwill not to ignore the elderly during these Christmas and New Year festivities.
The PS called on those blessed enough to spread the Christmas cheer to take time to facilitate their registration with the Social Health Insurance Fund, as well as pay for indigents and those who have no source of income, especially the elderly, in the villages.
PS Muthoni observed that the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration is also conducting an assessment of the elderly in homes to ensure their registration to SHA, insisting the president is keen on having all Kenyans access better health services.
“In this Kenya Kwanza government under President William Ruto, we don’t have any elderly person enlisted under the county government or the national government. We don’t have a sick person who is under the national or county government. This administration is there to serve everyone equally in whichever part of the country they are located,” said PS Muthoni.
The PS spoke at Mji wa Huruma in Nairobi City County, where she joined the residents and carers at the facility for a Jamii Imara Mashinani engagement session focused on supporting those staying at the facility.
“Christmas festivities are a season of joy and happiness. This is also the season to remember all those who are vulnerable in society. It is also a season for praying for one another. I want us to continue praying for each other,” added the PS.
According to PS Muthoni, who was accompanied by members of the Jamii Imara Mashinani team, an outfit that has traversed the Mt. Kenya region, engaging the residents on a one-on-one basis on what the government is doing and how they can easily access Government services, the elderly have often been neglected, yet they are part of society.
“When I look at the health sector, I see elderly people like you. I don’t want us to have elders in this country whose health is not being prioritised. We want to see to it that when our elders are sick, they should go to medical facilities and be treated. And even if you are not sick, we want to sensitise you to maintaining good nutrition. You need to embrace a balanced diet so that you don’t get ill. This is why we have SHA here to support every Kenyan,” said the PS.
How the Kenya Kwanza government plans to support the vulnerable elders
She said those in homes for the elderly who cannot have their kin pay for the SHA services will be registered as indigents and have the Government pay for them.
The PS and her team also called on those in the rural areas to help the elderly register for SHA.
During the visit to the Mji wa Huruma home for the elderly in Runda, Nairobi, the team spread the Christmas cheer by donating foodstuffs and essential commodities for the elderly.
Speaking at the same time, Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) board chairperson Winnie Ngumi said they had visited the facility to celebrate with the elderly.
“We are here today to celebrate with you because you are also our parents. Despite being civil servants, we want to spend some quality time with you and show you God’s love for all of us. We shall continue visiting, supporting and praying for you always,” said Ngumi.
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