NAIROBI Kenya June 29 -Elders responsible for maintaining peace and order at the village level, resolving disputes and acting as a bridge between the residents and the local government will soon be remunerated.
The Nyumba Kumi village elders are respected and trusted by the community, as they had been serving for many years.
On Thursday June 29, a petition was filed with the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations.
The petition, submitted by Benson Kagete, the Secretary General of the National Community Ambassadors calls for the recognition and remuneration of village elders under the Nyumba Kumi Initiative.
Under the initiative many committees have assumed the role of the police, conducting investigations, even to the point of carrying out patrols at night.
The elders have long been advocating for official recognition and fair compensation for their services, the Senate Standing Committee was told during a meeting to discuss Kagete’s petition.
The committee was chaired by Senator William Cheptumo. Other members are senators Fatuma Dullo, Julius Murgor, Lenku Ole Kanar Seki, and Joseph Kamau.
The Committee recognized the importance of the village elders in maintaining peace and security at the grassroots level.
The committee will also engaged the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) officials to gather all the relevant information and perspectives to make informed decisions.
Through consultations, discussions, and the involvement of various stakeholders, Senators will be drafting a comprehensive policy on the recruitment and remuneration of village elders.
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