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Kenya Association of Retired Officers (KARO) patron Kiraitu Murungi yesterday expressed satisfaction with its united efforts to advocate for and improve members’ welfare.

The former Meru Governor in the same spirit appealed to KARO leaders to make their voices heard on the formulation and enactment of a comprehensive law on the protection of the rights of the elderly, particularly their comprehensive health scheme with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

“I would like to encourage the leadership of KARO to help in the development of a comprehensive law on the protection of the rights of elderly persons. This would be a wonderful legacy for the association,” he said.

Murungi spoke yesterday during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of KARO at the Nairobi Club.  The meeting, which brought together hundreds of retired civil servants, was opened by Labour, Social Services and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary, Florence Bore, who lauded the association for its unwavering commitment to protecting, lobbying for and promoting the rights, interests and entitlement of retired officers, in addition to catering for their welfare.  

“I wish to particularly highlight and appreciate KARO’s work in advocating for pension policies and legislative reforms for the sustainable well-being of older persons. This aligns with the government’s transformative agenda,” Bore said.  Bore assured that her ministry would continue to work closely with KARO – as well as other like-minded bodies – to ensure that elderly persons remain resourceful in national development beyond their careers in the public sector.

KARO chair Ahmed Hussein acknowledged the importance of comprehensive health coverage in covering for the shortfall in insurance coverage for elderly persons many of whom have been discriminated against by private insurers.