Village elders across the country could soon start receiving a monthly stipend from the government under a new proposal by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration aimed at formally recognising their role in local administration and security.
The plan, unveiled during the 2026/2027 budget scrutiny sessions in Parliament, proposes a monthly payment of Ksh3,000 to about 110,000 village elders nationwide.
Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the ministry had already developed a policy framework to guide the identification, registration and operations of village elders.
According to Omollo, consultations towards making the village elders officially recognized began almost a decade ago, but the process was hindered by extensive consultations and policy deliberations.
In most cases, village elders have always been the first port of call when there are disagreements, insecurity incidents, and administration issues in their jurisdiction, working together with chiefs and assistant chiefs, although without any formal payment from the state.
Omollo informed members of parliament that the honorarium will start in the next financial year after the policy gets full approval and funds have been secured.
However, he clarified that only verified village elders who are not benefiting from other government social protection programmes will qualify for the monthly payment to avoid duplication.
Members of the committee largely supported the proposal but argued that the amount proposed was too little considering the responsibilities village elders handle in their communities.
Committee chairperson and Gabriel Tongoyo suggested that the stipend should match what community health promoters receive, saying village elders also play a major role in mobilising and supporting communities.
Oku Kaunya also called for stronger legal backing to ensure village elders are fully integrated into the National Administration system with proper structures and reporting channels.
Lawmakers observed that an increase in the stipend amount would elevate the yearly budget to either Ksh5.5 billion or Ksh6 billion but that the matter could be discussed further with the Treasury and Budget Committee.
The initiative has received widespread support from different quarters, being seen as the first step the government has taken in trying to make village elders officially recognized for the invaluable role they have played in local governance and security without any formal payment or acknowledgment.
