On 29 May 2026, I participated in the Monthly Discussion Forum on Ageing (MDFA), convened by SUQOON and the Ageing Concern Foundation at PrideInn Azure Hotel, Nairobi. Held in a hybrid format, the forum brought together representatives from the State Department for Senior Citizen Affairs, the National Social Protection Secretariat (NSPS), organizations working with older persons, service providers, civil society organizations, champions of citizens’ rights, and members of the public. The forum served as a stakeholder sensitization platform on Kenya’s Social Protection Act, 2025, and its accompanying Regulations, while also creating space for dialogue on strengthening social protection systems in the country.

The forum commenced with a keynote presentation by the Director and Head of the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs, who provided context on the significance of the Social Protection Act and the objectives of the sensitization forum. Participants were reminded of the critical role that social protection plays in addressing vulnerability, reducing poverty, and promoting the dignity and well-being of older persons and other marginalized groups.

A technical session facilitated by the National Social Protection Secretariat (NSPS) provided an overview of the Social Protection Act, 2025, covering its background, rationale, key provisions, rights and responsibilities, and implementation framework. The presentation emphasized that the Act is anchored in the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and other existing legal frameworks and reinforces the principle that social protection is a right. Particular attention was given to the recognition of older persons as rights-bearing citizens and the provision of certain non-contributory benefits designed to safeguard their welfare and dignity.

The second technical session focused on the Social Protection Regulations and explored how the Act will be operationalized. Participants were guided through implementation mechanisms, eligibility requirements, institutional mandates, and accountability measures. 

The third technical session of the forum included a sensitization session on the Enhanced Single Registry, where participants learned about its purpose, functionality, and role in strengthening the delivery of social protection services. Discussions highlighted data collection methodologies, beneficiary targeting approaches, application procedures, and measures put in place to ensure data privacy and protection. The session demonstrated the importance of reliable data systems in ensuring that social protection interventions effectively reach intended beneficiaries. The session was followed by an interactive question-and-answer segment that enabled participants to seek clarification and share experiences related to social protection programming and service delivery.

The forum successfully enhanced participants’ understanding of the Social Protection Act, 2025 and its Regulations while strengthening the capacity of stakeholders to support social protection interventions. It also created an important platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and coordinated advocacy among actors working to improve the lives of older persons and other vulnerable populations in Kenya.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Social protection was reaffirmed as a fundamental human right and a constitutional obligation. Older persons were recognized as rights-bearing citizens entitled to dignity, protection, and access to social services.

• The Social Protection Act – 2025, is anchored in the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and aligned with national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The importance of adopting an intergenerational approach in social protection policy and programming was emphasized.
• The Enhanced Single Registry was identified as a critical tool for improving targeting, coordination, and efficiency in social protection interventions.
• Data collection methodologies, benefit application processes, and data protection safeguards were clarified.
• Continuous public sensitization was highlighted as essential for increasing awareness and uptake of social protection services.
• Stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, and community actors was identified as necessary for effective implementation.

CONCLUSION:

The Monthly Discussion Forum on Ageing provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to deepen their understanding of Kenya’s Social Protection Act, 2025 and its Regulations. The discussions were insightful and informative, enhancing participants’ appreciation of social protection as a rights-based approach to addressing vulnerability and promoting human dignity. The forum also strengthened stakeholder capacity, encouraged collaboration, and laid the foundation for coordinated advocacy and implementation efforts. Moving forward, sustained public sensitization, stakeholder engagement, and effective implementation will be essential to ensure that older persons and other vulnerable groups fully benefit from the protections and opportunities provided under the Act. Appreciation is extended to SUQOON, the Ageing Concern Foundation, the National Social Protection Secretariat, the State Department for Senior Citizen Affairs, and all partners who contributed to the success of this important and timely forum.

Written by: Naomi Kimanthi – Youth Champion