President William Ruto has unveiled a package of benefits for more than 106,000 village elders across the country, including a monthly Sh3,000 stipend, government-funded Social Health Authority (SHA) cover, digital devices, training and formal legal recognition, in what the government says is a major step towards strengthening grassroots administration.
Speaking on Tuesday during an engagement forum with village elders at State House, Nairobi, the President said the government had adopted a policy that formally integrates village elders into the national administration system. He said the move recognises the role they have played for decades in connecting communities with government services while supporting the implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Ruto said village elders have remained the foundation of many communities by resolving disputes, promoting peace, mobilising residents and serving as the first point of contact between citizens and the government.
"Village elders are the backbone of our communities. They unite us, reconcile us and guide us. Today we are saying clearly that your service has been recognised and honoured. Our Constitution is not meant to remain words written on paper; it must be reflected in the daily lives of citizens. Government must reach every Kenyan, every village and every household. That is why our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda begins where the people are."
Village elders hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi County on August 4, 2026. PHOTO/PCS
The President said the work done by village elders forms an important part of the government's decision-making process, noting that reports prepared at the village level eventually make their way to his office through the national administration structure.
"Every morning I wake up to reports that begin at the village level. The report you write goes to the chief and eventually reaches my office. Many people do not know how important your work is, but I see it every day."
Ruto announced that every village elder would begin receiving a monthly Sh3,000 stipend with immediate effect, saying the support was meant to appreciate years of voluntary service rather than place a value on their contribution.
"This is neither payment for your patriotism nor the price of your service because your service is priceless. It is the recognition of a grateful nation and practical support for the work you perform every day."
He also directed the National Treasury to provide funds for digital phones to help village elders carry out their duties more effectively. At the same time, he instructed the Treasury to prepare a Sessional Paper that will be presented to the Cabinet before being enacted into law by December to formalise the new policy.
The President said the initiative is part of wider government efforts aimed at expanding access to services and improving livelihoods. He cited the removal of seven million Kenyans from the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB), continued monthly stipends for Community Health Promoters, the construction of 600 modern markets for small-scale traders and the affordable housing programme.
"We want an inclusive society. The old NHIF covered about eight million people, but today I want SHA to reach every Kenyan because healthcare is a right for every citizen. Mama mboga should work in dignity, own a home and access health insurance. No Kenyan should be left behind."
Ruto said the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda was designed to ensure government programmes benefit every household, adding that village elders will play a central role in helping wananchi understand and access those initiatives.
He noted that for many years village elders have supported government programmes including vaccination campaigns, national censuses, voter registration, drought relief operations and disaster response, often without receiving any payment.
"As we entrust you with greater responsibility, the government will also stand with you. Beginning today, every village elder will receive a stipend. This is neither payment for your patriotism nor the price of your service because your service is priceless. It is the recognition of a grateful nation and practical support for the work you perform every day."
The President urged the village elders to continue serving all Kenyans fairly, uphold integrity, reject corruption, protect public resources, promote peace and look after vulnerable members of society, saying the authority they exercise is founded on the trust placed in them by their communities.