Pension gaps, poverty push elderly women to seek casual jobs in Kilimani

For many of them, this routine is not a choice but a matter of survival. They say the rising cost of living has made life increasingly difficult, leaving them with few or no stable sources of income. Age, they add, has further limited their chances, with many potential employers overlooking them on the assumption that they may no longer have the physical strength required for domestic work.

One of the women, aged 66, says she reports to the area daily in search of work but often returns home empty-handed due to limited opportunities and strict pension eligibility rules.

Their hardship is compounded by challenges in accessing government support. The women say they have attempted to apply for pensions but are informed that they must first reach the qualifying age of 70 years.

“Mimi kila siku natoka na hakuna mapato napata… nikienda kwa serikali yenyewe, naambiwa bado sijafikisha miaka 70,” said Martha.

The group also includes women who have endured significant personal losses. Some say they lost their homes in past fires in informal settlements such as Kibera, while others have lost children and continue to grapple with the emotional and economic impact of those tragedies.

On fortunate days, they receive assistance from passersby or well-wishers who offer food or small amounts of money. However, there are also many days when they return home empty-handed, without work or support.

“Kila siku tunakuja hapa na hatupati kazi. Mtu akipatikana, wanatununulia unga ama sukari, ndiyo tunaenda nyumbani,” another woman said.

As the cost of living continues to rise, their situation underscores the growing vulnerability of elderly residents in urban areas, many of whom are increasingly dependent on uncertain daily survival.