By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 4 August 2026 - President William Ruto has announced a package of financial and welfare benefits for more than 100,000 village elders, marking the first formal government recognition of the community leaders who have long served as the link between citizens and the state.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during a meeting with village elders from across the country, the President unveiled a monthly stipend of KSh 3,000, smartphones, training opportunities and health insurance under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Ruto said the package was not payment for patriotism but an acknowledgement of the critical role village elders play in maintaining peace, resolving disputes and supporting government programmes at the grassroots.
"Beginning this month, beginning today, every village elder will receive a stipend. This is not a price for your patriotism; patriotism has no price. This is a sign of the government's respect for you and recognition of your contribution in leadership," the President said.
Village elders have traditionally worked alongside chiefs and assistant chiefs in mobilising communities, settling local disputes and supporting security efforts but have largely served without regular government remuneration.
Beyond the monthly allowance, Ruto announced that the government will provide village elders with smartphones to improve communication and enable them to participate more effectively in government programmes.
He also pledged capacity-building programmes to strengthen their leadership and administrative skills.
In a further boost, the President directed the National Treasury to allocate funds to enrol all village elders and their families under the Social Health Authority (SHA) by January 1, saying the move would ease the burden of medical expenses.
The announcement fulfils a proposal first presented by the Ministry of Interior earlier this year.
In May, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo told Parliament that approximately 110,000 village elders were expected to benefit from the programme under the 2026/27 budget after nearly a decade of policy discussions.
"The conversation about village elders began in 2016, and the House actually gave directions to the ministry. It has taken almost 10 years to get us here," Omollo told the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security.
The ministry has since developed a policy framework and criteria for identifying village elders following nationwide consultations and public participation.
The latest announcement comes as the government seeks to strengthen grassroots governance by giving village elders a more formal role in community leadership, public service delivery and national security initiatives. During the meeting, President Ruto urged the elders to remain champions of peace, unity and constitutional values as the country moves closer to the next General Election.
Oburu Signals Interest in Deputy President's Job
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Speaking at the same event, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga publicly declared his interest in the Deputy President's position, signalling that the role could become a key bargaining point as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) backs President William Ruto's re-election bid in 2027.
The Siaya Senator said ODM would not field a presidential candidate, insisting the party had resolved to support Ruto for a second term.
However, he made it clear that the Deputy President's seat remains open for negotiation.
"This time round, ODM will not field a candidate because we will support President William Ruto. All the other positions are negotiable, particularly number two. Don't you think I deserve to be number two? Can I not be number two?" Oburu said.
Expressing confidence in his suitability for the role, he added: "Mimi nimetosha" (I am capable).
Oburu also defended ODM's participation in the broad-based government, saying the partnership with President Ruto was intended to help deliver development and a long-term national vision.
"We are working with President Ruto in this broad-based government. My small brother Raila Odinga left us there and we are going to work together to make a strong government and always push for having a vision," he said.
The veteran politician urged critics to judge the President based on development projects rather than political rhetoric, arguing that government borrowing had been directed towards improving livelihoods.
"Some people are saying he is burdening the country with debt, but that debt he is not eating, he is paying the people. If it is something that is benefiting the people, we must appreciate it," he said.
Oburu's remarks add fresh momentum to an emerging debate over who should become President Ruto's running mate if the broad-based political arrangement between UDA and ODM extends to the 2027 General Election.
In recent weeks, senior ODM leaders have openly argued that the Deputy President's position should go to the party if Ruto retains the presidential ticket.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati has maintained that any future electoral pact should reflect a "50-50" partnership, saying ODM has several leaders capable of serving as Deputy President, including Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho, as well as Oburu himself.
Meanwhile, leaders within UDA have continued backing incumbent Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to remain President Ruto's running mate, setting the stage for negotiations that could shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 polls.