Stakeholders during
the launch of the report in Kilifi on Wednesday / BRIAN OTIENO
Ganze subcounty in Kilifi county has been identified as the riskiest place for elderly residents, according to a report launched on Wednesday.
The review, conducted by Haki Yetu Organization through the Elderly Persons Steering Committee, found that the elderly in Ganze face disproportionately high levels of abuse, neglect, psychological torture and killings compared to other subcounties.
Dubbed “A 12-month review of the situation of the older people in Kilifi County,” the report is the first to provide validated, official data on the abuses and killings faced by older persons.
Between December 2024 and November 2025, Ganze recorded 774 cases, more than double the 326 reported in Kaloleni, the subcounty with the second-highest number of incidents.
Julius Wanyama of Haki Yetu highlighted the significance of having official data. “Before, data was disputed and unverified. Now, with validated information, interventions can be directed to where they are needed most. Today, Ganze clearly requires more urgent action than any other subcounty,” he said.
The data, collected from police stations, Judiciary offices, administrative units, the Kilifi Directorate of Social Development and civil society networks, revealed 161 cases of physical abuse in Ganze, with 19 killings of older persons in the same period.
Other subcounties reported significantly lower numbers, though gaps remain as Malindi did not provide data.
Kilifi County Social Services executive Ruth Dama said the report serves as both a mirror and a roadmap.
“This baseline will guide identification of key interventions, inform comprehensive needs assessments and support the development of a joint work plan among actors addressing older persons’ abuse,” she said.
The report noted that the population of older people in Kenya is rapidly increasing, yet their rights and needs remain insufficiently addressed. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, dignity and protection, older persons continue to face social exclusion, economic vulnerability and targeted violence.
The National Policy on Older People and Ageing (2018) and the proposed Older Persons Bill 2024 aim to provide a more comprehensive legal framework to protect and empower them.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The findings reveal a disturbing reality: Ganze subcounty’s elderly face a confluence of neglect, abuse and violence, exposing systemic gaps in protection and enforcement. The establishment of the Elderly Persons Steering Committee marks a critical step in coordinated, multi-sectoral oversight, enabling targeted interventions and evidence-based planning. Validated data now allows authorities to identify hotspots, prioritise resources, and craft policies that protect vulnerable older residents. However, persistent social exclusion, economic vulnerability and underreporting highlight that legal frameworks alone are insufficient; sustained civic education, community engagement, and enforcement are essential to safeguard the dignity and lives of Kenya’s growing elderly population.
