Ruto Delivers: 110,000 Village Elders to Share Sh3.9 Billion Stipend Windfall in New Budget

The Government has fulfilled a long-standing promise to support village elders after allocating Sh3.9 billion for their stipends in the 2026/27 financial year budget.

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen welcomed the allocation, describing it as a landmark achievement in strengthening grassroots governance and recognizing the vital role played by village elders across the country.

Speaking after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi unveiled the budget highlights, Murkomen said the stipend programme was born out of commitments made during the nationwide Jukwaa la Usalama public engagement forums.

"During the Jukwaa la Usalama engagements, we pledged to provide our village elders with a stipend," said Murkomen.

The commitment was later reinforced by President William Ruto during the launch of the Jukwaa la Usalama report, where he directed that funds be set aside in the next budget to facilitate village elders.

"I have told the CS that in the next budget he should get some money to provide a stipend for village elders," President Ruto said at the time.

The promise has now been translated into action, with Sh3.9 billion earmarked for the initiative. According to Murkomen, approximately 110,000 village elders across the country will benefit from the programme.

The Interior CS hailed the move as a major boost to grassroots administration, noting that village elders serve as the first point of contact between citizens and the government, particularly in matters of security, dispute resolution, and service delivery.

"This is a promise fulfilled. Village elders play a critical role in grassroots governance and deserve support as they continue serving their communities," Murkomen said.

The allocation comes amid broader government efforts to enhance national security and improve public service delivery through increased investment in the security sector.

The 2026/27 budget has also set aside Sh13 billion for the leasing of police motor vehicles, Sh7 billion for the Police Modernisation Programme, and Sh1 billion for the construction of a National Forensic Facility.

The government says the investments are aimed at improving operational efficiency, strengthening security infrastructure, and enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to respond to emerging security challenges.

The stipend programme is expected to significantly improve the welfare of village elders while reinforcing their contribution to community leadership and grassroots governance.