NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Interior has proposed a Bill aimed at officially recognizing and compensating village elders across the country.
The National Government Coordination (Amendment) Bill, introduced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, seeks to formalize the crucial role village elders have historically played in local governance.
Village elders, who have long served as the backbone of community leadership, have traditionally operated as volunteers, representing the government’s interests at the local level under the guidance of Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs.
The Ministry acknowledges that these elders have been pivotal in maintaining order, overseeing villages, and ensuring the smooth implementation of government policies.
“The recognition of village elders as National Government Administrative Officers marks a new chapter in grassroots governance,” said a spokesperson from the Interior Ministry. “This move will not only validate their contributions but also ensure they are fairly compensated for their invaluable service.”
The proposed Bill outlines several key provisions, including the payment of monthly allowances to village elders, a first in the country’s history.
The allowance, as recommended by the Public Service Commission in consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, could range up to Ksh 7,000 depending on the country’s economic conditions.
To ease the financial burden on the government, the Ministry has suggested a phased implementation, starting with a monthly stipend of Ksh 2,000.
This amount is similar to the disbursement given to elders under the Inua Jamii Programme, allowing the Ministry to assess the financial impact before seeking further budgetary allocations from the National Treasury.
The legislative proposal also addresses the recruitment process for village elders, aiming to streamline and standardize it across Kenya’s 9,045 sub-locations and 106,072 villages.
By amending the National Government Coordination Act of 2013, the Bill seeks to officially recognize village elders as essential components of the country’s administrative framework.
