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The government will strengthen grassroots governance, security, and community development by actively engaging 106,072 village elders across the country.

As a result, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration has proposed paying allowances to the elders to enable them to effectively participate in security and safety, promote awareness, resolve disputes, and advance development initiatives and social services through the Nyumba Kumi Initiative.

According to the Ministry, village elders have played a crucial role in grassroots governance throughout Kenya’s history and represent the government’s interests at the local level.

“They oversee villages and work under the guidance of chiefs and assistant chiefs. Despite their integral role in facilitating services and assisting the National Government at the village level, they have traditionally worked as volunteers without compensation,” the ministry said

The proposed National Government Coordination (Amendment) Bill recommends a phased implementation of a monthly allowance of up to Sh7,000, depending on Kenya’s economic conditions, for village elders across the country.

An initial stipend of Sh2,000 per month is proposed, which is in line with the disbursement given to elders in the Inua Jamii Programme.

Evaluate impact

“This approach will enable the Ministry of Interior to evaluate the financial impact and present it to the National Treasury for budgetary allocation,” the Ministry said.

While addressing the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki urged lawmakers to revise the National Government Coordination Act to designate a village as the fundamental administrative unit.

Kindiki outlined that, following the amendment of the Act, the Ministry would introduce criteria for establishing villages, which would take into account population size, geographic area, and socio-cultural factors.

“The Kenya Kwanza Administration acknowledges the critical services provided by village elders and emphasises the need for their support through formal recognition and remuneration,” he said.

Kindiki said the bill seeks to recognise village elders as National Government Administrative Officers, proposing payment of allowances as determined by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).