NAIROBI, Kenya – The government is calling on the public to submit their views on the upcoming National Government Village Administration Policy, aimed at formalizing the role of village elders in public governance.
The policy, which will soon be launched by the Ministry of Interior, seeks to integrate village elders into the formal National Government Administration Infrastructure.
This move is part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Interior to strengthen village administration across the country, providing clear structures for governance that align with national development goals.
Empowering Village Elders in Governance
“This policy seeks to onboard village elders into the formal National Government Administration Infrastructure,” the Ministry stated.
The policy not only outlines the qualifications needed for one to become a village elder but also establishes a framework for their facilitation, ensuring that they contribute effectively to local governance and community welfare.
The village elders will be responsible for managing local affairs, promoting peace, security, and governance, and working closely with other government agencies.
They will also play a key role in settling civil disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and serve as liaisons between local communities and the National Government.
Qualification Criteria for Village Elders
To become a village elder, individuals must meet several criteria, including public recognition through participation in community affairs.
They must be Kenyan citizens, of sound mind, and knowledgeable about the village’s culture and residents.
In addition, they must meet the requirements outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution, ensuring integrity and ethical standing.
Other qualifications include being a continuous resident of the village for at least five years before recognition and possessing qualities such as charisma, vision, and a good reputation within the community.
Village Elders’ Roles and Responsibilities
Under the new policy, village elders will be tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Administering village governance and maintaining an incidents register.
- Promoting peace, security, and good governance in collaboration with other government bodies.
- Participating in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes.
- Providing early warning intelligence and liaising with the National Government through the Assistant Chief.
- Promoting village welfare and fostering inter-governmental relations within the village.
These roles are designed to streamline communication between the National Government and local communities, ensuring that grassroots governance is both efficient and aligned with national development priorities.
Financial Support for Village Elders
The policy also proposes a monthly allowance of Sh7,000 for village elders, which will be subject to Kenya’s economic conditions.
This compensation aims to strengthen grassroots governance and improve community development, recognizing the crucial role elders play in managing local affairs.
Historically, village elders have served as volunteers, representing the government at the grassroots level under the guidance of Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs.
The Ministry of Interior emphasized that the integration of village elders into formal governance structures is essential for enhancing local leadership and ensuring that national policies are effectively implemented at the community level.
The public is encouraged to submit feedback on the policy before its official launch, which is expected to mark a significant step toward strengthening local governance across Kenya.
