Kenyan Churches Address Rising Crisis of Abandonment Among Elderly Men

Churches in Kenya are increasingly intervening to support elderly men facing neglect, financial instability, and suicidal ideation. As life expectancy across Africa rises, the World Health Organization projects the population of individuals over 60 will more than double by 2050. This demographic shift has left many older men without traditional family support systems, leading to a documented increase in mental health struggles and suicide risks, particularly among those over 50.

Reports indicate that the loss of earning power often triggers marital conflict and family abandonment, leaving many men isolated. In cases like that of Victor Wanjala, a former customs officer who faced severe depression following job loss and family disputes, the lack of a social safety net has proven devastating. With state resources limited, local congregations are stepping in to provide care and community for those who have been marginalized. These church-led initiatives aim to fill the gap left by fractured family structures, offering support to men who are struggling to navigate the challenges of aging in a changing economic landscape.