The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has floated a proposal to implement a Ksh.7,000 allowance for village elders in Kenya to formally recognise them as government officers on special duty.

In a communiqué on Sunday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki told the Senate Standing Committee on National Security that there is a need to acknowledge the elders for the crucial role they play in grassroots governance.

Kindiki urged the legislators to revise the National Government Coordination Act No. 1 of 2013 to designate a village as the fundamental administrative unit.

The Bill seeks to recognize village elders as national government administrative officers, proposing payment of allowances as determined by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (PSC).

"The proposed policy framework recommends a phased implementation of a monthly allowance of up to Ksh. 7,000, depending on Kenya's economic conditions, for village elders across the country," read the statement in part.

"A start-off stipend of Ksh. 2,000 per month is proposed, which is commensurate to the disbursement given to elders in the Inua Jamii Programme."

The Ministry believes that if the proposal is adopted elders will have their active involvement in numerous public committees within their jurisdictions will be formally recognised.

In Kenya, village elders represent the government's interests at the local level. They oversee villages and work under the guidance of Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs. 

"Despite their integral role they have traditionally worked as volunteers without compensation," added the statement.

The Ministry says that currently, there are 9,045 sub-locations and 106,072 villages in Kenya.