Ruto announces Ksh.3K monthly stipend, smartphones, SHA cover for village elders

President William Ruto has announced a support package for more than 106,000 village elders across Kenya, including a monthly stipend, smartphones, training and health insurance cover.

The President pointed out that these initiatives were aimed at recognising the contribution of village elders in grassroots leadership, community mobilisation and implementation of government programmes.

Speaking during an engagement with more than 10,000 village elders at State House Nairobi on Tuesday, he said the government had formally recognised their role by introducing financial support and additional resources to help them execute their duties more effectively.

"Today, we formally recognise that historic role. The onboarding of more than 106,000 village elders across the 47 counties into the National Government Administration system is a major milestone in bringing Government closer to the people.

For generations, President Ruto pointed out that elders have mobilised communities for vaccination, census and voter registration.

Additionally, the President noted that the elders support school enrolment, drought relief and disaster response; advanced community policing; and identified vulnerable households.

He announced that the 106,000 village elders across the country will receive a monthly stipend, noting that the payment should not be viewed as a reward for patriotism, but as recognition of the services they provide in communities.

"As we entrust you with greater responsibility, the government will also stand with you. Beginning this month, every village elder will receive a monthly stipend of Ksh.3,000," President Ruto said.

He urged them to honour the trust of the people by serving every Kenyan fairly, imploring on them to shun corruption, protect the vulnerable, promote peace, defend public resources and uphold integrity.

Furthermore, the President announced that village elders will receive smartphones to improve communication, saying the funds for the phones would be allocated in the National Budget to purchase the devices for village elders.

He added that the elders will undergo training to strengthen their skills in administration and improve their service to residents.

President Ruto also announced that the National Treasury would provide funding for medical insurance for village elders and their families under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

He said the health cover was aimed at ensuring that the village elders access medical services and better social protection.

At the same time, he urged the elders to support the conversation on the National Development Charter the President proposed last week, saying it should be people-driven, citizen-centred and focused on a better future for Kenya.

"We call on leaders at the grassroots to champion the national conversation on the National Development Charter and to ensure the outcome is people-driven, citizen-centred and future-focused," he said

This conversation, President Ruto explained, cannot be for the Government alone but for all sections of society.

"It must reach every county, every ward, every village and every household," he said.

He pointed out that the Government is keen on giving practical meaning to Article 43 of the Constitution: Healthcare for every family, adequate housing and sanitation, freedom from hunger, clean and safe water, social security, and education for every child.

The President said democracy gives every Kenyan a voice and so must development give every Kenyan a chance.

"Our political progress must be matched by economic opportunity, social dignity, and steadily improving living standards," the President said," said President Ruto.

Meanwhile, President Ruto pledged that the 2027 General Election will be free, fair and peaceful, warning some politicians against threats, coercion and messages that could divide Kenyans along ethnic lines.

He pointed out that every Kenyan must be allowed to exercise their constitutional right to vote for a candidate of their choice without intimidation or interference.

“The next General Election will be free and fair. We will not allow anyone to put the lives of other Kenyans at risk,” said President Ruto.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said President Ruto has transformed the country, adding that he should be supported to win the next election by a bigger margin that cannot be contested.

"I ask elders to help President Ruto win in the next election by a landslide to avert court petitions because his development record speaks for itself," Mr Mudavadi noted.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Oburu Oginga said for the time he has served in various governments, this is the only administration that appreciates the role played by village elders in nation building.

"I want to make it clear that this is the only administration that has come out forcefully to appreciate the work of our village elders. I have served in several administrations but President Ruto’s regime has demonstrated its seriousness in helping our elders. We must commend this initiative," said Mr Oginga.

He also said the party will not field a presidential candidate in 2027, but will support the re-election of President Ruto.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen called on elders across the country to take a leading role in fighting tribalism, political incitement and the misuse of young to cause violence during political activities.

“Let us reject all those who are preaching tribalism, dividing the people and spreading hatred,” Mr Murkomen said.

He announced increased funding to facilitate chiefs and assistant chiefs in their work, promotions, and plans to train village elders in digital literacy and leadership.

"The directive that the President issued on funding for the offices and chiefs and assistant chiefs will has been allocated in the current budget. Chiefs' allocations has been increased from Ksh.30,000 to Ksh.50,000 and assistant chiefs from Ksh.15,000 to Ksh.30,000," CS Murkomen said.