Kindiki: Government developing policy on remuneration of village elders

By Peter Ochieng

Village elders may soon start being renumareted, if all goes according to the government's plan.

Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for interior and national administration says they are developing a policy and legal framework, on recruitment and remuneration of village elders.

"The government is developing a policy and legal framework on the recruitment and remuneration of village elders to address, among other issues, the functions, terms of engagement, criteria for recruitment, termination of engagement, disciplinary procedures and conditions and procedures for exit/vacation of office for village elders," said the CS.

He spoke on Thursday, during a session with members of the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations.

Kindiki was invited to respond to petitions on recognition and remuneration of village elders under the Nyumba Kumi Initiative, and the rampant theft of livestock in Kajiado County.

"The ministry of interior and national administration underscores the important role played by village elders, and their immense contribution in fostering a peaceful and cohesive society," he said.

"Village elders provide a key linkage between the government and memberd of the public, and facilitate implementation of government programs at the grassroots," added the CS.

He said president William Ruto's administration will continue to deploy security units in areas prone to cattle rustling, enhance surveillance to track stolen livestock and apprehend all persons involved, directly or indirectly, in the web of livestock theft.