The Kenya Kwanza Government is reported to be developing a policy and legal framework on the recruitment and remuneration of village elders to address, among other issues, the functions, terms of engagement, criteria for recruitment, termination of engagement, disciplinary procedures and conditions and procedures for exit/vacation of office for village elders.
According to a report seen by the K47 digital news team, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration underscores the important role played by village elders and their immense contribution in fostering a peaceful and cohesive society.
CS Kindiki, in a statement on 3rd August 2023 noted that the village elders provide a key linkage between the Government and members to the public and facilitate implementation of Government programs at the grassroots.
“To conclusively and decisively deal with the complex security challenge of livestock theft, the Government will continue to deploy formed security units in areas prone to cattle rustling, enhance surveillance to track the stolen livestock and apprehend all persons involved, directly or indirectly, in the web of livestock theft.” Said CS Kindiki.
Kindiki said this after meeting the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations to respond to petitions on recognition and remuneration of village elders under the Nyumba Kumi Initiative and the rampant theft of livestock in Kajiado County.
The Senate, in a tweet noted: “Government will recognize and remunerate village elders once the National Government Coordination Act No. 1 of 2013 is amended, says Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki when he appeared before @SenCommitteeKE on National Security and Defence today.”
