President William Ruto has unveiled plans to boost the welfare of village elders nationwide by enrolling them and their families into the Social Health Authority (SHA), equipping them with smartphones, and formalising their roles through new legislation.
During a meeting with village elders at State House, Nairobi, on August 4, 2026, the President instructed the National Treasury to incorporate stipends for village elders into the upcoming budget. He emphasized the importance of extending SHA coverage to every village elder and their dependents starting January 1.
Smartphones to Enhance Service Delivery
In a move to support digital service delivery at the grassroots, President Ruto directed an increased budget allocation to provide each village elder with a modern smartphone. This initiative aims to improve communication between village elders and government agencies while facilitating access to digital public services.
Legal Framework for Village Elders
The President also called on the relevant ministry to prepare a Sessional Paper that will lead to legislation formally recognising the role of village elders and securing their welfare. This legal framework is intended to institutionalise their functions and guarantee sustained support.
Strengthening Grassroots Governance
- The initiative complements recent efforts to empower Community Health Promoters with smartphones and increased stipends.
- It reflects the government’s broader agenda to enhance grassroots public service delivery through digital tools and financial support.
These measures seek to reinforce the vital role village elders play in local administration and community engagement across Kenya.
