Village Elders Celebrate Historic Recognition as President Elevates Grassroots Leadership

By Caroline Katana

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Village elders across Kwale County are in vibrant mood following President William Ruto’s landmark decision to formally recognise their role in the Kenya’s governance structure ending decades of voluntary service that often went largely unnoticed.

For years, village elders have quietly served as the government’s first point of contact at the grassroots—resolving disputes, mobilising communities for government programmes, supporting local security efforts and linking wananchi with the national government administration development agendas.

Today, the county’s 1,391 village elders are among thousands across the country celebrating what they describe as a long-awaited acknowledgement of their contribution to nation-building and nationhood.

The President’s decision to introduce a monthly facilitation stipend of Ksh3,000 alongside commitments to provide Social Health Authority (SHA) cover for them and their families, digital devices to enhance communication, capacity-building training, and a legal framework to formalise their role has been welcomed as a major step towards strengthening grassroots leadership.

In Matuga subcounty’s Kombani area, the village elders’ mood is one of gratitude, optimism and renewed commitment to serve the public with focus and diligence.

Salim Mohammed Mwachirimira, the Subira Village elder, said the recognition affirmed the critical role they played in ensuring government reaches every household.

“I’m happy that the government start recognising grassroots leaders , village elders are the first people the community turns to whenever there is a challenge.

“We relay information to assistant chiefs and chiefs, and that system continues all the way to the national level. When village elders are recognised and empowered, government programmes can move smoothly because we are closest to the people,” he said.

The elder added that the recognition had boosted morale among village elders, who for years carried out their responsibilities with little formal acknowledgement.

“Today we feel appreciated. We thank President William Ruto for thinking about us. This gives us fresh motivation to continue working with government and serving our communities.”

He expressed hope that village elders would continue receiving support that would enable them to better serve the communities entrusted to them.

For Salim Mwakuyumba, the Minazini Dubai village elder, the recognition represents a new chapter for grassroots administration in the country.

“For many years we served our communities without formal recognition. Today we feel appreciated because the government has acknowledged the important work we do,” he said.

According to him the village elders play a central role in ensuring information from villages reaches government authorities, making them an indispensable part of public administration.

Mwakuyumba welcomed the government’s decision to formally recognise village elders and appealed for continued investment in strengthening grassroots leadership through official identification and support for community-based development initiatives.

Mohamed Ali Mwahindo, the Kitakamatsa village elder, described the President’s decision as an encouragement to leaders who often place community service ahead of their own personal responsibilities.

“Whenever there is an emergency, we leave whatever we are doing because our communities depend on us. We appreciate the President for remembering us and recognising the work we do at the grassroots,” he said.

The recognition, according to him, would inspire village elders to continue working closely with government in promoting peace, unity and development across their villages.

Hamisi Salim Mwakutakasa, the Kitsanze village elder, said the recognition had brought renewed confidence to grassroots leaders who shoulder multiple responsibilities within their communities.

“Village elders promote peace, resolve disputes, support security agencies and help implement government programmes. This recognition shows that our work is valued.”

He also welcomed President Ruto’s pledge to provide village elders with SHA cover, digital devices and training, saying the initiatives would strengthen service delivery and improve communication between grassroots leaders and government.

“These commitments will make our work easier and help us serve wananchi more effectively.”

The elder observed that the official recognition had also come with greater responsibility, saying village elders remain committed to delivering on the trust placed in them by both government and their communities.

For Mwakutakasa the President move open a new chapter of employment in his life saying he has never been employed and receive stipend or salary the way he is experiencing now with President Ruto’s leadership.

While celebrating the milestone, the village elders expressed hope that the government would continue strengthening grassroots leadership through community development projects, official identification and sustained support to enable them to serve more effectively.

They said investments in water, electricity, and other community projects would improve the lives of residents while making it easier for village elders to mobilise communities around government programmes.

For the village elders of Kwale, the recognition is more than a policy announcement. It is a powerful affirmation that meaningful leadership begins in Kenya’s villages where government is felt first and where the foundation of national development is laid.