More than 106,000 village elders to benefit from a new government package aimed at strengthening grassroots administration
President William Ruto has announced a new package of benefits for more than 106,000 village elders across Kenya, including a monthly stipend of KSh3,000, government-funded Social Health Authority (SHA) cover, smartphones, and digital skills training. The announcement was made during a meeting with thousands of village elders at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday.
The initiative marks a major policy shift aimed at formally recognizing the role village elders play in grassroots governance, community security, and the implementation of government programmes.
KSh3,000 Monthly Stipend for Every Village Elder
Speaking during the engagement, President Ruto said every recognized village elder will begin receiving a KSh3,000 monthly stipend as a sign of appreciation for their years of voluntary service.
He emphasized that the payment should not be viewed as a salary but as recognition of the critical role village elders play in maintaining peace, mobilizing communities, resolving disputes, and supporting government administration.
Smartphones and Digital Training
In addition to the stipend, the President announced that every village elder will receive a smartphone to improve communication with government officials.
The devices will enable elders to report incidents, share information with local administrators, and support security operations more efficiently. The government will also provide digital literacy training to ensure they can effectively use the technology.
Government to Pay SHA Contributions
The government will also enroll village elders, together with their spouses and children, under the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme.
President Ruto directed the National Treasury to allocate funds to cover SHA contributions, with implementation expected to begin in 2027. The move is intended to improve healthcare access for thousands of grassroots administrators and their families.
Formal Recognition of Village Elders
The President said the government has adopted a policy framework that officially recognizes village elders within Kenya’s administrative structure.
Officials believe the reforms will strengthen coordination between village elders, chiefs, assistant chiefs, and other national government administrators while improving service delivery at the grassroots level.
Interior Ministry Welcomes the Initiative
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen welcomed the reforms, saying they will strengthen grassroots administration.
He also announced increased operational funding for chiefs and assistant chiefs and confirmed that thousands of National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU) officers have been deployed to enhance security across the country.
