President William Ruto hosts village elders at State House, Nairobi. [PCS]
Mau Mau war veterans have welcomed the government's decision to formally recognise village elders and integrate them into Kenya's administrative structure, even as they called for historical injustices affecting freedom fighters to be prioritised in the planned national dialogue.
The veterans described the recognition of village elders as a major milestone in strengthening grassroots governance, saying the elders have for decades served as the vital link between local communities and the national government without formal recognition or adequate support.
Their endorsement follows a meeting between President William Ruto and village elders at State House, where the President announced that they would benefit from a monthly stipend. The government also pledged to enrol them under the Social Health Authority (SHA) and provide each village elder with a smartphone to enhance communication and service delivery.
Speaking during a press briefing in Thika, officials of the Mau Mau War Veterans Association said the recognition would strengthen community policing, improve conflict resolution and enhance the delivery of government services at the grassroots.
The group revealed that it had actively participated in the public participation process on the Village Administration Bill, 2024, where it submitted proposals on the implementation framework for the legislation. They said they were encouraged that some of their recommendations had been incorporated, culminating in the formal establishment and recognition of village elders within the country's administrative structure.
The veterans said village elders play a critical role in reporting crime, resolving minor disputes, mobilising communities for government programmes and fostering peace and unity.