Migori county: Village elders from Migori County have expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for the formal implementation of a monthly stipend of Sh3,000, acknowledging it as a recognition of their significant role in village-level administration and societal contributions.
According to Kenya News Agency, President William Ruto announced earlier this month the formal implementation of the stipend for over 106,000 village elders. This initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity of the elders to serve their communities more effectively. Led by Alexander Ochieng, the elders praised the government for acknowledging their role as vital community leaders and administrators, emphasizing that they often traverse long distances to address disputes and other community issues.
Speaking in Awendo town, the elders highlighted that this new recognition has provided them with a formal identity after years of serving under previous administrations without official acknowledgment. Despite their appreciation, they appealed to President Ruto to consider increasing the stipend amount in the future, noting that even a small increment would be beneficial.
Ochieng pointed out that their duties often involve mediation in community disputes, necessitating significant travel and resource investment. Lucas Abok, another village elder from Rongo, elaborated that elders are frequently called upon to resolve family conflicts, including domestic disputes, positioning them as central figures in community problem-solving. The expenses associated with these responsibilities, they argued, are challenging to meet with the current allowance.
Despite these challenges, the elders maintained a tone of gratitude towards the president, acknowledging other government initiatives that have positively impacted their communities. These programs include infrastructure development and affordable housing, alongside appeals for further assistance targeting youth, women, and students pursuing higher education.
The village elders’ recognition coincides with the government’s efforts to reinforce grassroots administration by providing village leaders with a more formal connection to governmental structures. Abok emphasized that while recognition is an important step, future support must align with the responsibilities they bear.
Ultimately, for the village elders, the true measure of the government’s commitment will be reflected not just in their titles, but in the resources and support provided to match their community service expectations.
