The provision of uniforms to village elders is expected to strengthen grassroots administration and improve service delivery in Tinderet Constituency, with the area MP Julius Melly initiating the programme in Chemelil/Chemase Ward.
The initiative, funded by NG-CDF, seeks to give village elders a distinct identity while enhancing their visibility as representatives of the government at the grassroots, he stated.
“The uniforms will also make it easier for residents to identify the officials when seeking assistance on security, government programmes, conflict resolution and other community matters,” he asserted.
Melly said village elders perform crucial duties in communities and should be supported to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
“Village elders are the people who take care of us at the village level. They maintain law and order, mediate disputes and help implement government programmes,” he said.
The MP said the distribution would be extended to other parts of the constituency to ensure that more grassroots administrators benefit from the programme.
Melly stated that the initiative was intended to boost the morale of the elders and accord them the recognition they deserve for the services they provide to communities.
He noted that village elders are often the first government representatives residents turn to when seeking assistance on security, social welfare, family disputes and access to government services.
A beneficiary, Paul Bitok, said the uniforms would improve the confidence of village elders and make it easier for residents to identify and work with them.
“The village elder is the person residents meet first when they have problems in the community. Giving them uniforms shows that their work is recognised,” Bitok said.
A resident, Jane Chepkwony, said the initiative would strengthen communication between households and government administrators.
“When there is a government programme or an issue affecting the village, the elder is normally the first person residents approach. A uniform will make their role clearer,” she said.
Village elders are involved in maintaining peace, resolving family disputes, supporting security initiatives and mobilising residents for government programmes.
They also assist chiefs and assistant chiefs in identifying community needs and communicating government policies and programmes to residents.
The initiative is expected to enhance coordination between village elders and other government officials while improving the flow of information from the grassroots to higher administrative levels.
The distribution of uniforms is expected to be extended to other wards in the constituency, enabling more village elders to benefit from the programme.
Residents said the intervention would not only improve the appearance and identification of village elders but also demonstrate greater recognition of their contribution to community administration.
By Sammy Mwibanda
