By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, December, 19 2025 - Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has urged Kenyans to use the festive season to remember and support the elderly, particularly by facilitating their registration to the Social Health Insurance Authority (SHA) and assisting those who cannot afford contributions.
Speaking during a visit to the Mji wa Huruma home for the elderly in Runda, Nairobi, PS Muthoni called on families, communities and well-wishers to ensure that older persons - especially those in rural areas are not left out of the government’s universal health coverage agenda.
“Christmas is a season of sharing, compassion and reflection. As we celebrate, we must not forget our elderly, many of whom are vulnerable and have no stable source of income,” Muthoni said.
“Those who are able should take time to help them register for SHA or pay for those who cannot afford, so that they can access quality healthcare with dignity.”
The PS noted that the government is currently conducting an assessment of elderly persons living in care homes and in villages across the country, with the aim of ensuring that all are registered under the Social Health Insurance scheme.
She emphasized that President William Ruto’s administration is committed to ensuring that no Kenyan is excluded from essential health services.
Muthoni explained that elderly persons without family support or financial means will be registered as indigents, with the government covering their SHA contributions.
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“No elderly person should suffer or be denied medical care because they are poor or forgotten. The government will take responsibility for those who cannot pay,” she said.
She was accompanied by members of the Jamii Imara Mashinani team, a grassroots initiative that has been traversing the Mt Kenya region to engage residents through door-to-door sensitisation on government programmes and how citizens can easily access public services.
According to the Muthoni, older persons are often neglected despite having played a key role in building families and communities. She urged residents in rural areas to take collective responsibility by assisting elderly neighbours with registration and ensuring they understand how to use the SHA system.
During the visit to Mji wa Huruma, the Jamii Imara Mashinani team spread Christmas cheer by donating foodstuffs and essential household items to the home’s residents, reaffirming the call for community-driven support for the elderly.
Muthoni said such acts of kindness should extend beyond the festive season, adding that caring for older persons is both a moral duty and a reflection of a compassionate society.
