Kenyans could soon be fined Ksh1 million for preventing their elderly family members from marrying, should the Geriatric Bill 2022 become law.
In the Bill proposed by Githunguri Member of Parliament, Gathoni Wamuchomba, elderly persons are categorised as persons above the age of 60 years.
The Bill stipulates that family members must allow elderly persons to marry or remarry without any influence.
"Elderly persons have a right to marry, remarry and divorce under any law without interference from the family.
"The family of the elderly persons shall facilitate them to reside with their spouses unless there are compelling circumstances to warrant separation," proposed the Bill.
Further, the Ksh 1 million fine will also apply to instances where the elderly are denied access to their wealth.
"The family shall not seize the property of an elderly person, including houses owned or income generated from the property.
"A person convicted of an offence under this Act for which no penalty is provided shall be liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh1 million shillings or to an imprisonment not exceeding two years or to both," reads the Bill in part.
Other actions that could attract the fine include physical, sexual, phycological or economic abuse of the elderly.
Some psychological offences cited in the Bill include insults, ridicule, emotional pain and invasion of Privacy.
The proposed legislation also advocates for creating community-based care for the elderly.
Wamuchomba explained that the Bill would ensure that the group are guaranteed healthy living as they are often neglected.
"The Bill seeks to improve the living conditions of elderly persons by providing for their rights to human dignity, safety, security education and health," she stated.
Parliament received the Bill on November 21 and is yet to be taken for its first reading as MPs are currently on recess.
