The Kenyan government has rolled out a landmark policy aimed at formalizing the role of Village Administrative Elders within the country’s governance framework. The Draft National Government Village Administration Policy seeks to elevate the status of village elders, acknowledging their significant influence in community leadership and decision-making. This initiative aims to integrate village elders into the formal National Government Administration Infrastructure, thus enhancing service delivery at the grassroots level.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen highlighted the policy as more than just a structural reform, emphasizing its moral and constitutional significance. “The formal recognition of the village as the lowest unit of administration is not just constitutional, it’s moral,” he said. The policy is a step toward bridging the gap between the people and the government, promoting inclusivity, unity, and sustainable development in rural areas.
The policy outlines a clear vision for a structured, accountable, and well-supported Village Administration system. It proposes the mapping and gazettement of villages, along with the introduction of eligibility criteria for elders. To qualify as a village elder, an individual must meet various requirements, including being a Kenyan citizen, of sound mind, and knowledgeable about local culture and residents. The elder must also demonstrate good standing in the community and have lived in the village for at least five years.
Village elders will play critical roles in promoting peace, security, and governance, managing local affairs, and serving as liaisons between the community and government agencies. They will also assist in dispute resolution through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods.
The policy reflects years of consultations with stakeholders and is a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering local communities. With the support of county governments and continued civic education, the initiative aims to strengthen grassroots governance, ensuring that local communities are better represented and supported in Kenya’s development agenda.
