Gov’t pushing for village elders’ participation in public governance

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration now seeks recognition and compensation of village elders for their role in grassroots governance.

To achieve this, the ministry is pushing for a review of the National Government Coordination Act No. 1 of 2013 to designate a village as the fundamental administrative unit.  Already a bill is in place to make this a reality.

“The National Government Coordination (Amendment) Bill seeks to recognize village elders as National Government Administrative Officers, proposing payment of allowances as determined by the Public Service Commission in consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission,”

Despite their integral role in facilitating services and assisting the National Government at the village level, they have traditionally worked as volunteers without compensation,” said Interior PS Raymond Omolo

Omolo says village elders play a crucial role in the communities, and their efforts must be recognized. He said, President William Ruto’s administration is committed to enhancing regulatory effectiveness and improving the provision of public goods and services. He says village elders are key partners in achieving these goals.

“As the leaders closest to the people, village elders represent the government’s interests at the local level. They oversee villages and work under the guidance of Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs,” said Omolo

The proposed policy framework recommends a phased implementation of a monthly allowance of up to Ksh. 7,000 for village elders across the country. The PS indicated that a start off stipend of Ksh. 2,000 per month, proportional to the disbursement given to elders in the Inua Jamii Programme, has been proposed.

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