Kenya Moves to Legally Recognize Village Elders, Resonating with New African Trend* 

By Caroline Katana 

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

 For the first time since independence, Kenya is taking concrete steps to formally recognize village elders in law—a move aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and acknowledging the critical role elders play in community cohesion, conflict resolution, and local security.

The Ministry of Interior, under the Kenya Kwanza administration, has rolled out a national program to provide constitutional recognition to the thousands of elders who have long operated without formal legal standing.

 The announcement was made during a public participation forum held at Kenya School of Government Matuga , by County Commissioner Stephen Orinde.

 “At least now they’ll serve knowing their efforts are appreciated and officially recognized,” said Commissioner Orinde.

He added that a policy framework is already being drafted and will be tabled in Parliament for approval. Once passed, this will transform village elders—currently operating informally—into legally mandated public servants.

 Over 70,000 elders benefit

Kwale County alone has approximately 1,391 village elders, among the tens of thousands across the country.

 Nationwide, Kenya has an estimated 72,000 to 106,000 village elders, depending on village structures and administrative classifications.

Under the proposed law, elders may receive a modest monthly allowance—starting at KSh 2,000, potentially rising to KSh 7,000. If fully implemented, the program would cost the government around KSh 4.6 billion annually (about USD 31 million).

“We are urging elders to remain committed and responsible, especially as we push for the legal framework that will finally put them on the government payroll,” Orinde added.

Village elders are crucial in Kenya’s local governance structure, often handling delicate issues such as land disputes, gender-based violence, security threats, and family conflicts—all at the grassroots level, yet without any formal protection or compensation.

 Elder concept trending across Africa

Kenya’s move places it among a growing number of African nations integrating traditional authority into modern governance systems. Examples include:

Botswana : Tribal chiefs advise the government through the National House of Chiefs.

Ghana: Traditional leaders, known as “nanas,” are constitutionally recognized.

Nigeria: Many states formally acknowledge chiefs under legal statutes.

South Africa: Kings and chiefs have defined constitutional roles under customary law.

Uganda: Kingdoms such as Buganda were reinstated in the 1990s, recognizing traditional monarchies.

These structures serve as advisory or judicial institutions at the local level, especially in rural areas where state presence is limited.

 *Questions of security and youth* 

Commissioner Orinde noted that , improved security in Kwale County is due to stronger collaboration between village elders and local chiefs.

The government’s push for youth employment through programs like Affordable Housing, international job placements, and upcoming seafarer training schemes is also helping to reduce crime.

“Youths now have access to employment opportunities through various state programs. These initiatives have made a huge difference in deterring criminal activity,” he said.

 New era of citizen engagement

Orinde spoke during a government-sponsored public participation forum hosted by the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi. The session aimed to gather citizens’ views on the implementation of ongoing national projects.

 “This administration is focused on inclusive governance,” Orinde noted. “This time, citizens are part of shaping the direction of development, unlike in the past.”

Musa Machoka, Secretary of Government Programs and Projects Delivery in the office of Prime Cabinet Secretary , admitted that funding challenges have delayed some projects, but the government remains committed to ensuring that no initiative is left unfinished.

A project that doesn’t get completed and doesn’t benefit the people is a failed investment. We’re working on ensuring every project serves its intended purpose,” Machoka said.

Kenya’s recognition of village elders is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a transformative policy shift aimed at legitimizing grassroots leadership and improving public service delivery. 

As Kenya joins a cohort of African countries where traditional governance is enshrined in law, this move could redefine the relationship between the state and its rural communities for generations to come.