The Ministry of Interior has introduced a legislative amendment aimed at recognizing village elders as National Government Administrative Officers, spearheaded by Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo.
The proposed National Government Coordination (Amendment) Bill seeks to establish a formal framework for the remuneration of village elders, acknowledging their critical role in community governance.
The bill proposes the payment of allowances to village elders as determined by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
PS Omollo has emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating,
“Village elders play a crucial role in our communities, and it is essential that we recognize their efforts. The Government under President William Ruto is committed to enhancing regulatory effectiveness and improving the provision of public goods and services, and village elders are key partners in achieving these goals.”
As part of the proposed reforms, a pilot phase will introduce a monthly stipend of Sh2,000, aligning with the disbursement given to elders in the Inua Jamii Programme.
This phased approach will allow the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to evaluate the financial impact before presenting it to the National Treasury for budgetary allocation.
According to PS Omollo, village elders are key to rural development, including their role in promoting awareness, resolving disputes, and advancing social services through the Nyumba Kumi Initiative.
The proposed legislation also aims to formalize the relationship between village elders and other local administrative officials, such as Assistant Chiefs and Location Chiefs, by amending the National Government Coordination Act of 2013.
Several Kenyans have termed the new proposal a step in the right direction towards enhancing security across the country.
Village Elders and Chiefs play a crucial role in the maintenance of Law and Order.
I laud PS Raymond Omollo for spearheading the Reforms to our Village Elders to have them remunerated as other state actors.
Village Elders have solved many disputes. #ChiefsAndVillageElders pic.twitter.com/2T38vA8Zd6
— Peter Kariuki (@PeterKariukiKE) August 12, 2024
According to Evans Makori, Chiefs and Village Elders are the foundation of Kenya’s local governance, and their remuneration will positively impact local security and governance efforts.
Chiefs and Village Elders are the foundation of Kenya’s local governance, ensuring that conflicts are managed and communities remain safe.#ChiefsAndVillageElders
PS Raymond Omollo pic.twitter.com/4nhxWYdvMv— Evans (@Africizen) August 12, 2024
The proposed new policy framework addresses various aspects, including the recruitment, functions and remuneration of village elders, ensuring that their role is recognized and valued within the broader administrative structure.
Dr. Omollo’s efforts reflect a significant step towards improving the livelihoods of village elders and enhancing their contributions to community development across Kenya.
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