NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has announced a new government support package for more than 106,000 village elders across Kenya, formally integrating them into the National Government Administration system and granting them a monthly facilitation of KSh3,000.
Speaking during a meeting with National Government Village Administrative Elders at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto said the move was a recognition of the critical role village elders play in connecting communities with government services.
The President described village elders as the “bridge between Government and citizens”, saying their work has been central to community mobilisation, conflict resolution, disaster response and implementation of public programmes.
“Beginning this month, every onboarded village elder will receive a monthly facilitation of KSh3,000,” Ruto said.
He clarified that the money was not payment for their patriotism or service, but a recognition of their contribution to the country.
“This is neither payment for patriotism because patriotism cannot be bought nor is it the price of your service because that service is priceless. It is the recognition of a grateful nation and practical support for the work you perform,” he said.
Village Elders to Drive Government Agenda
Ruto said the elders would play a central role in advancing his administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by helping communities access government programmes.
He listed key areas where elders will support implementation, including healthcare under Taifa Care, affordable housing, agricultural productivity, support for vulnerable households, digital opportunities and environmental conservation.
The President said government policies can only succeed when they reach households at the grassroots.
“You explain public programmes. You mobilise participation. You build confidence. You turn policy into action and opportunity into progress,” he told the elders.
National Development Charter
The President also tasked village elders with helping lead a nationwide conversation on the proposed National Development Charter, saying it should reach every county, ward, village and household.
He said the conversation seeks to give practical meaning to constitutional rights under Article 43, including access to healthcare, housing, food, water, education and social security.
Ruto urged the elders to promote peace, reject corruption, protect public resources and serve all Kenyans fairly.
“Your authority does not come from Government alone. It rests upon the confidence of the community. Guard that trust carefully because it is your greatest strength,” he said.
Grassroots Government Push
The President said strengthening village administration was part of efforts to bring government closer to citizens and ensure no community is left behind.
Village elders have traditionally supported chiefs and assistant chiefs in areas such as community policing, voter registration, vaccination campaigns, school enrolment and identifying vulnerable households.
Ruto said the new measures would strengthen their ability to support national development goals while improving service delivery at the grassroots.
