Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has approved a monthly allowance of up to Ksh7,000 for over 72,000 village elders across Kenya.
This initiative is aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and community development, recognizing the vital role that village elders play in maintaining social order and addressing local issues.
Kenya is home to 106,072 villages, each playing a crucial part in the country’s administrative framework.
Despite their critical role in resolving conflicts, supporting government initiatives, and fostering community development, village elders have historically been unpaid and underappreciated.
To address this, the Ministry of Interior has drafted a legislative proposal to amend the National Government Coordination Act of 2013, which will officially recognize and compensate village elders in each of these units.
Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, has been at the forefront of this initiative.
He, along with senior security and administration officers from the Ministry of Interior, representatives from the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice, the State Department for Public Service, the State Department for Performance & Delivery Management, the Public Service Commission, and the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis, participated in a consultative review to develop a comprehensive framework for engaging and supporting village elders.
The proposed policy framework is designed to be implemented in phases, with the allowance for village elders being gradually increased based on Kenya’s economic conditions.
Initially, a stipend of Ksh2,000 per month will be provided, which aligns with the disbursements given to elders under the Inua Jamii Programme.
This allowance may increase to as much as Ksh7,000 per month, reflecting the importance of the elders’ contributions to their communities.
The decision to compensate village elders is seen as a step towards enhancing grassroots governance.
By formally recognizing their efforts and providing financial support, the government hopes to encourage even greater participation in local governance and community development.
Village elders often serve as the first point of contact for resolving disputes, mediating conflicts, and ensuring that government programs are effectively implemented at the local level.
Their involvement is crucial in maintaining social harmony and fostering community cohesion.
This move also reflects the government’s broader commitment to decentralizing power and ensuring that all levels of society are adequately supported.
By empowering village elders, the government is recognizing the importance of local leadership in achieving national development goals.
While the initial stipend of Ksh2,000 per month may seem modest, it is a significant step forward in acknowledging the valuable contributions of village elders.
It is expected that the allowances will be increased, providing even greater support to these essential community leaders.
CS Kindiki’s approval of the Ksh7,000 allowance for village elders is a positive development that underscores the importance of grassroots governance in Kenya.
Through compensating these leaders, the government is not only strengthening local governance but also ensuring that community development efforts are supported at every level.
This initiative marks a new chapter in Kenya’s approach to local governance, with village elders playing a key role in the nation’s continued progress.
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