President William Ruto has announced a new support package for more than 106,000 village elders across Kenya, including a Ksh3,000 monthly stipend, smartphones, training, and medical insurance under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a meeting with more than 10,000 village elders at State House, Nairobi, where the President said the move formally recognizes the critical role elders play in grassroots leadership and government service delivery.
Ksh3,000 Monthly Stipend for Village Elders
President Ruto said every registered village elder will begin receiving a Ksh3,000 monthly stipend starting this month, emphasizing that the payment is not a reward but recognition of the vital services they provide in communities.
“Beginning this month, every village elder will receive a monthly stipend of Ksh3,000,” President Ruto said.
He noted that village elders have long supported national programmes such as vaccination campaigns, census exercises, voter registration, school enrolment, disaster response, drought relief, community policing, and identifying vulnerable households.
Smartphones, Training and SHA Health Cover
Beyond the stipend, the President announced that the government will provide smartphones to all village elders to improve communication and coordination at the grassroots.
He said funding for the devices will be included in the National Budget.
The elders will also receive administrative training to strengthen their leadership and service delivery skills.
In addition, the National Treasury will finance SHA medical insurance for village elders and their families, ensuring they have access to healthcare and improved social protection.
Call to Uphold Integrity
President Ruto urged village elders to serve all Kenyans fairly and remain committed to integrity.
He asked them to reject corruption, protect vulnerable members of society, promote peace, safeguard public resources, and strengthen community cohesion.
Support for National Development Charter
The President also called on village elders to champion public participation in the proposed National Development Charter, saying the conversation should involve every Kenyan.
According to Ruto, the initiative should reach every county, ward, village, and household to ensure it is people-driven and focused on Kenya’s future.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering the constitutional rights outlined under Article 43, including quality healthcare, affordable housing, food security, clean water, social protection, and education.
Ruto Pledges Free and Fair 2027 Election
During the event, President Ruto also assured Kenyans that the 2027 General Election will be free, fair, and peaceful.
He warned politicians against using intimidation, coercion, or ethnic rhetoric to influence voters.
“The next General Election will be free and fair. We will not allow anyone to put the lives of other Kenyans at risk,” he said.
Mudavadi Backs Ruto’s Re-election Bid
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi praised President Ruto’s development agenda and urged village elders to rally behind his re-election campaign.
Mudavadi said a decisive victory in 2027 would eliminate disputes over the election outcome, arguing that the President’s development record speaks for itself.