Murkomen proposes pay for village elders

Speaking during a National Assembly Plenary, Murkomen proposed that village elders—often the first responders in local conflicts and community crises—be given an honorarium as a token of appreciation for their tireless service.

"We can collectively decide how we are going to take care of our village elders and perhaps give them some honorarium that will make them proud as they continue supporting us in conflict resolution, peacebuilding and security operations," Murkomen said.

The proposed policy, now undergoing public participation, is expected to be tabled in Parliament once finalized. If approved, it would mark a significant shift in how Kenya treats these often-overlooked yet essential pillars of local governance and security.

In villages across the country, elders are frequently called upon to mediate disputes, address security concerns, and foster social cohesion. Most do so voluntarily, sometimes receiving small tokens of appreciation from the communities they serve. But with no formal pay, their contributions often go unrecognized and unsupported.

Murkomen’s initiative seeks to not only dignify the role of village elders but also to ensure the sustainability of their service. The honorarium would provide a modest financial cushion, enabling them to continue their work with pride and security.

This move is part of a broader reform agenda by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, which includes a review of administrative boundaries and the alignment of local governance units—such as sub-counties, divisions, and locations—with national budgetary and development priorities.