By Our Reporter
A section of Kajiado leaders rallied behind village elders pushing the Government to extend a monthly stipend to the arguably forgotten lot.
Speaking in Kajiado in a public forum recently, the leaders led by Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku urged the government to fast-track a policy to ensure village elders are put on the public payroll.
Lenku said the village elders act as “shadow” administrators acting as linking administrative unit with the village and,therefore, deserve to be remunerated by the National government.
The Governor who once served as interior cabinet secretary, said that during his tenure the government introduced ” Nyumba Kumi initiative” but did not replace village elders because of their pivotal role in the society.
“Village
elders remain the biggest facet to successful administration in any government
.The elders aid in dispute resolution, fight against female Gentle Mutilation
(FGM) and security concerns in the villages yet they lead life of squalor, “
stated Lenku.
His sentiments were echoed by Kajiado East legislator Peris Tobiko and her
Kajiado Central counterpart Elijah Memusi.
Ms Tobiko said Parliament had deliberated on village elders’ stipend proposals
in March 2019 but nothing had come out of the motion by the MP for Tharaka,
George Murugara.
She further stressed the need to ensure the village elders do not turn into
beggars to be able to serve the residents.
“Most villagers rely of local chiefs and their assistants to get fare and
other facilitation to enable them to work.The government cannot empower local
administrators and forget village elders.It is counterproductive, “ noted Ms
Tobiko
Kajiado Central MP Elijah Memusi said village elders are a force to reckon with
in Kajiado villages as they assist in
the war against retrogressive culture. He argued that they require
a regular salary, that include provisions of free NHIF cover,
uniforms, and modest offices in their respective areas of work.
“Village elders play a vital role in the villages. They live in the
villages and most of them act as snitches to the security apparatus. They are
the engine that drive the local administration unit countrywide,” said Memusi.
A village elder who spoke on condition of anonymity in Isinya sub-county said
some village elders hardly afford a meal to their families.
Countrywide, thousands of village elders, live in deplorable conditions.