Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has welcomed the allocation of Ksh3.9 billion for village elders’ stipends in the FY2026/27 budget, saying the move fulfils a government commitment made during the Jukwaa La Usalama public security engagements.

In a statement issued on Thursday, June 11, 2026, Murkomen said the funding would support 110,000 village elders across the country and strengthen administration and security coordination at the grassroots level.

“During the Jukwaa La Usalama engagements, we pledged to provide our Village Elders with a stipend to facilitate their work, which is crucial for strengthening security and administration at the community level,” Murkomen said.

“I am glad that a total of 110,000 village elders will benefit from this stipend after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi allocated KSh3.9 billion in his Budget Statement.”

Village elders to receive stipends

The allocation follows a directive issued by President William Ruto during the launch of the Jukwaa La Usalama report in December 2025, where he instructed the Treasury to provide funding for the programme in the next budget cycle.

“I have told the CS that in the next budget he should get some money to provide a stipend for village elders,” President Ruto said at the time.

The stipend programme is expected to take effect from July 1, 2026. The government has indicated that village elders will receive monthly payments in recognition of their role in community administration, conflict resolution, information sharing and support for national government programmes.

The initiative is also expected to formalise the role of village elders through registration and official recognition within the local administration framework.

Security sector receives additional funding

The village elders’ allocation forms part of a wider package of security and administrative investments contained in the FY2026/27 budget.

According to Murkomen, the budget has set aside Ksh13 billion for the leasing of police motor vehicles, Ksh7 billion for the Police Modernisation Programme and Ksh1 billion for the construction of a National Forensic Facility.

“The recognition and facilitation of the Elders will enhance administration, and bolster security coordination and dissemination of information at the community level,” Murkomen said.

He added that the security investments would complement ongoing reforms within the Ministry of Interior aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening public safety.

Broader reforms in local administration

The stipend programme comes amid broader reforms targeting national government administration officers and security personnel.

The government has announced promotions for police officers and chiefs who have completed the required training programmes. New deployment policies have also been introduced to improve staff welfare and operational efficiency.

Murkomen said the measures are intended to strengthen institutions that support service delivery at the grassroots level while creating an environment that supports economic growth and community development.

Implementation of the stipend programme and other reforms is expected to begin with the start of the new financial year in July.