President William Ruto has met with village elders and promised them a number of goodies from the government in an attempt to acknowledge the key roles they play in national development.
The head of state held the consultative meeting with village elders at State House, Nairobi, on August 4, 2026, in a meeting where development, security and community cohesion were discussed.
The president assured the grassroots leaders that the government will pay them their stipends.
“Beginning today, every village elder will receive a government stipend. This is not the price of your patriotism or your service. Patriotism cannot be compensated; it is priceless. This is simply recognition of the work you perform every day in serving your communities,” Ruto said.
“As the nation honours you, serve every Kenyan fairly, reject corruption, protect the vulnerable and promote peace. Your authority does not come from the government alone; it is built on the confidence your community has in you. Guard that trust because it is your greatest strength,” he said.
Promise on SHA, smartphones
The president also assured the elders that they will enrol in the Social Health Authority (SHA) and also promised them new smartphones.
“These leaders should now return to Parliament so that we can complete three more things. Mr Mbadi, ensure these people receive their money. Every village elder and their children should be enrolled into SHA. Once we complete this budget, by January 1 they should all be under SHA and continue with their lives,” Ruto promised.
“They now understand digital services. Increase the budget a little so that each one of them can receive a proper smartphone,” he said.
Elders’ role to be formalised
Ruto further directed the relevant ministry to prepare a sessional paper that will pave the way for legislation formally recognising village elders and their welfare programme.
“I am asking the minister to prepare a sessional paper so that we can enact a law. Many people do not believe these things are possible, but we will put them in law,” he said.
The meeting was also attended by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Principal Secretaries led by Interior PS Raymond Omollo, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga, Prime Cabinet Musalia Mudavadi and village elders from across the country.
