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The national and county governments will soon be required to provide a free medical check-up every year for Kenyans above 60 years of age.

A Bill before the National Assembly makes it compulsory for the governments to put in place policies that would free the aged from hefty hospital bills for frequent checkups they have to undergo owing to their advanced age.

The Geriatric Bill, 2021 that is sponsored by Kiambu Woman Rep Gathoni Wamuchomba seeks to improve the living conditions of older members of society.

This is one of the most comprehensive Bills aimed at improving the welfare of the older people. It aims to transfer care for the old from relatives to the government.

“The National government and county governments shall provide free annual medical checkups for older members of society,” the Bill says.

It identifies an older member of society as one who is above 60 years.

It will, however, cost taxpayers a lot because medical checkups are expensive.

Medical experts told People Daily that a comprehensive checkup session costs between Sh10,000 and Sh15,000 depending on the facility where it is done.

With close to three million citizens who are over 60, Kenya will have to set aside at least Sh45 billion every year to meet the requirements of the proposed law.

The government is already implementing a social protection programme targeting citizens who are over 70 years old with Sh2,000 monthly stipend.

In the financial year 2021/22 Budget, the National Treasury has set aside Sh1.8 billion for the programme.

Wamuchomba’s Bill also tasks the government with settling court fees for old people to smoothen the way for them to access justice.

Cultural activities

If it is passed by both Houses of Parliament and signed into law by the President, the Chief Justice will be required to come up with policies to ensure that people over 60 years are exempt from paying court fees.

“The Chief justice shall make rules providing for the exemption of older members of society from payment of court fees in relation to certain matters,” the Bill says.

The Bill also aims to protect the old against discrimination in participating in cultural activities. The government will be expected to ensure this category of Kenyans get a chance to engage in cultural activities.

“An older member of society has the right to participate in any sports, recreation, leisure and cultural activities including national and international sports events,” it says.

It also establishes the National Council for Older Members of Society with a mandate of developing policies and programmes for bettering lives of the aged. The Council will regulate the establishment of homes and facilities for old people.

Further, the Bill requires the government to employ older people in a bid to tap their experience and skills.

On this, the Cabinet Secretary in charge of aged people’s affairs will work with the Public Service commission to develop regulations to cater for the employment programme.

“The Cabinet Secretary shall in consultation with the Council, the Public Service Commission, independent commissions, State agencies and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission make regulations for voluntary or non-voluntary post-retirement employment of older members of society on scaled hours,” the Bills says.

The sectors they will be considered for are health, national security, education and any other sector the CS may deem fit for them.

This, however, is likely to attract criticism as the country is already grappling with high rates of youth unemployment.

The Jubilee administration has been accused of hiring retirees while skilled youth are without jobs.