A sharp warning has emerged from the United Kingdom, where an independent watchdog found that the healthcare system is failing its frail, elderly citizens. This revelation casts a harsh light on Kenya’s own preparedness for a demographic shift that will see its population of older persons nearly triple by 2050.

The UK's National Audit Office (NAO) report detailed significant lapses in care for individuals diagnosed with frailty, a condition of reduced resilience related to aging. In the 2024/25 period, only 18% of these patients were assessed for the risk of falling, and a mere 16% received a comprehensive medical review. UK doctors have pointed to overwhelming workloads and a shrinking workforce as contributing factors.

A Mirror to Kenya's Challenges

While the NAO report focuses on the UK, its findings serve as a critical wake-up call for Nairobi. Kenya is experiencing a profound demographic transformation, with the number of citizens aged 60 and over projected to soar from about 3.2 million today to over 10% of the population by 2050. Geriatric specialists have warned that the country is not prepared for this shift.

Kenya's healthcare system is not currently aligned with the specific needs of older people, with services often being disintegrated and disease-oriented. This structural weakness is compounded by a series of on-the-ground challenges for the elderly, including:

• Access to Care: Many older Kenyans, particularly in rural areas, struggle to access quality healthcare due to high costs, limited insurance coverage, and under-resourced local facilities.
• Lack of Specialists: There is a significant shortage of healthcare professionals with specialized training in geriatric medicine and gerontology in the country.
• Financial Strain: Most private health insurers tend to lock out people over the age of 65, making healthcare unaffordable. The monthly cost for managing chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes can range from KES 2,000 to KES 5,000, while critical treatments like chemotherapy can cost upwards of KES 100,000 per cycle.
• Social Issues: Beyond healthcare, many elderly Kenyans face neglect, poverty, and social isolation.

The Path Forward

Successive governments have recognized the growing need for a comprehensive framework. The Constitution of Kenya obligates the state and family to provide reasonable care and assistance to older persons. Initiatives like the Inua Jamii cash transfer program aim to provide a safety net, covering over 833,000 citizens aged 70 and above.

However, experts and advocates emphasize that more systemic changes are urgently needed. The Ministry of Health's 'Healthy Ageing and Older Persons' Health Strategy 2022-2026' acknowledges weaknesses in the current system and aims to build responsive, person-centered health services. Organizations like HelpAge International are also working to improve healthcare access and empower older people to advocate for their rights.

As Gareth Davies, the head of the UK's NAO, noted about his own country's struggles, it is “crucial that people with frailty are supported effectively and consistently.” For Kenya, the challenge is to build that supportive system before the demographic wave fully arrives, ensuring that aging is met with dignity, not neglect.