The Government has begun implementing a KSh3.9 billion programme to recognise and facilitate approximately 106,000 National Government Village Administrative Elders across the country.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told the National Assembly that 96,566 elders had already been registered for monthly stipends of KSh3,000 under the initiative launched by President William Ruto on August 4, 2026.
Murkomen said the government had started processing payments through Safaricom’s M-Pesa platform under the Tunza Vijiji wallet, with some records undergoing verification due to discrepancies in names, identity card numbers and telephone contacts.
He assured eligible elders whose payments were delayed that they would receive their dues in arrears once the verification exercise was completed.
The programme, funded through a KSh3.9 billion allocation, seeks to strengthen grassroots administration, improve public service delivery and enhance communication between communities and government officers.
To support implementation, the Ministry has established a national advisory committee, a secretariat, eight regional management units and 49 county and sub-regional management units.
Murkomen said the government was also planning to provide the elders with smartphones, uniforms and identification badges, alongside training on governance. They will also be enrolled in the Social Health Authority medical scheme.
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Under the arrangement, recognised village elders will coordinate existing Nyumba Kumi clusters and serve as a link between residents, local administrators and security agencies.
However, the CS clarified that the monthly stipend would only benefit designated National Government Village Administrative Elders and not all Nyumba Kumi cluster elders.
He added that the government was preparing a Sessional Paper to provide a formal policy framework for the programme, which will be submitted to Parliament after Cabinet approval.
On national security, Murkomen told MPs that the National Police Service had established a specialised Anti-Abduction Investigations Unit to handle kidnapping and abduction cases.
He cited the free DCI public hotline, 0800722203, also known as Fichua Kwa DCI, urging Kenyans to share information anonymously to support investigations.
The CS also highlighted ongoing investigations into the abduction of National Police Reservist Ali Issack Abdullahi at Burahache Roadblock in Elwak Town, Mandera County, on September 13, 2026.
He said the government was intensifying intelligence-led security operations, arrests and community engagement to dismantle criminal gangs and prevent violence.
Murkomen maintained that strengthening grassroots administration through village elders would complement security efforts by improving information sharing and cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring Kenyans can conduct their daily activities in a safe environment.