Ruto Promises KSh3,000 Monthly Pay for Village Elders

President William Ruto has announced that village elders across the country will receive a monthly stipend of KSh3,000 as part of the government’s efforts to recognize their contribution to grassroots administration and community security effective 4 August, 2026.

Speaking during a meeting on Tuesday, the President said the stipend is intended to appreciate the critical role village elders play in maintaining peace, resolving disputes, mobilizing communities, and supporting chiefs and assistant chiefs in the delivery of government services.

The programme targets an estimated 110,000 village elders nationwide and is backed by funds allocated in the 2026/27 national budget. The government says the initiative marks the first structured payment scheme for village elders, who have for decades served voluntarily despite their significant responsibilities.

Ruto said the stipend fulfils the government’s commitment to strengthen grassroots governance while improving the welfare of village elders.

The President noted that village elders are the first point of contact in many communities, helping resolve conflicts, identify security threats, and support national government programmes at the village level.

“Village elders are the first line of defense in our security ecosystem and the backbone of community justice. It is only right that their decades of selfless service are formally recognized and compensated.”

The KSh3,000 monthly payment is expected to complement ongoing reforms within the National Government Administration by enhancing collaboration between village elders, chiefs, assistant chiefs, and other security agencies.

The initiative follows the approval of budgetary allocations by Parliament after the Ministry of Interior proposed the scheme, arguing that village elders have played an indispensable role in community administration without formal remuneration.

While welcoming the move, some lawmakers have previously argued that the amount should be reviewed upwards in future to better reflect the responsibilities carried out by village elders across the country.