Trans Nzoia County village elders have welcomed the government’s Shs 3000 monthly stipend, saying the move is long overdue and recognizes the critical role they play in maintaining peace, resolving disputes and supporting government programmes at the grassroots.
The stipend, which targets village elders across the country, has been hailed as a historic step towards appreciating community leaders who have for decades served voluntarily without any financial reward.
Speaking at his home in Muungano Village, Block C in Trans Nzoia County, veteran village elder Mr. Charles Ochweya said the stipend has restored hope among elders who have dedicated many years to serving their communities without financial support.
“I have worked for over 20 years as a village elder, helping families settle disputes even at night, promoting peaceful coexistence and assisting government officers whenever called upon. We have done this because we love our communities, not because we were paid,” said Mr. Ochweya.
Mr. Ochweya said village elders have continued serving selflessly despite receiving no financial support from the government. He noted that they have often moved from one home to another registering elderly persons for government assistance programmes and other social initiatives, yet they themselves had never benefited from any form of facilitation.
“We have spent years going door to door collecting the names of elderly people so they can benefit from government programmes, but we ourselves were left out despite the sacrifices we make every day. This stipend is a welcome recognition of our service,” he said.
He described President William Ruto’s decision to introduce the monthly stipend as an initiative that would not only improve the welfare of village elders but also boost their morale as they continue supporting peacebuilding, conflict resolution and grassroots administration.
“The Sh3,000 stipend may not be much, but it is a sign that the government has finally recognized our contribution. We are grateful and hopeful that this support will even improve beyond the current amount,” said Mr. Ochweya.
According to Mr. Ochweya, most village elders have relied on their own limited resources while carrying out community responsibilities.
President Ruto, while addressing village elders at State House on Tuesday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening grassroots governance and ensuring no community is left behind through government programmes, including the recognition of village elders.
“Beginning today, village elders will receive a Sh3,000 monthly stipend. We are also working towards paying their Social Health Authority premiums from January 2027, providing them with smartphones to ease their work and making more Administration Police officers available to enhance security at the grassroots,” President Ruto said.
The government has maintained that the stipend is intended to acknowledge the elders’ important role in community leadership, local administration and the implementation of government programmes.
The introduction of the monthly stipend is expected to benefit more than 106,000 village elders across the country, making it the first structured government facilitation programme for grassroots administrators.
By Oscar Nalyanya
