Village elders have long been the backbone of Kenya’s community governance. For decades, these dedicated individuals have upheld peace, mediated disputes, and preserved social cohesion in rural areas often without pay or formal recognition. However, recent troubling incidents, including the mishandling of a minor’s murder under the guise of “out-of-court settlement,” underscore the urgent need to reform this traditional system.
A key challenge lies in the lack of a legal framework guiding the roles and responsibilities of village elders. This has opened doors to serious abuses ranging from corruption to the mishandling of grave crimes like sexual assault and murder. Without clear structures and oversight, some elders have been compromised, choosing silence over justice.
The government’s proposed National Government Village Administration Policy aims to address these gaps. It seeks to legally recognise village elders, define their roles, provide training, and ensure accountability. By integrating elders into the formal governance structure, the policy will draw a clear line between customary dispute resolution and legal matters that require escalation to courts.
Kenya can learn from global examples. Countries like Canada, India, Papua New Guinea, and Bolivia have successfully embedded traditional justice systems into their formal governance frameworks. These models demonstrate that with support and structure, elders can play a vital role in local justice, security, and administration.
In Kenya, grassroots structures like Nyumba Kumi have already shown the power of community-based security. With legal backing, elders can enhance this role, contributing meaningfully to national goals such as the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by ensuring service delivery reaches the last mile.
Recognising and compensating village elders isn’t just about honouring tradition it’s about protecting communities, restoring public trust, and ensuring justice is within reach for every Kenyan. Through this policy, the government signals a bold shift towards inclusive, accountable grassroots governance that begins with the people and empowers those who have long served them in silence.
