Ministry to seeks views on strengthening role of chiefs
Policy seeks to create clear structures and processes for governance within villages that are aligned with the broader national development agenda
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration will conduct public participation forums on the Draft National Government Village Elders Policy and the National Government Coordination (Administrative Units) Regulations, 2025.
The forums will be conducted in all the 47 counties will benefit from the exercise, which have been clustered in 10 locations, tomorrow. The venues will be Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nyeri, Meru, Garissa, Machakos and Mombasa.
The objective is to gather views from citizens, communities, nyumba kumi heads, public, security sector agencies, civil society, religious groups, and the private sector, on strengthening governance, service delivery, and national cohesion at the grassroots level.
““This policy seeks to onboard village elders into the formal National Government Administration Infrastructure,” a statement from the ministry said.
Regional and County Commissioners will lead the process across the counties which seeks to create clear structures and processes for governance within villages that are aligned with the broader national development agenda.
The policy is part of the ministry of Interior’s efforts to strengthen the national government’s village administration across the country.
The proposed policy further aims to streamline communication between the National Government and local and grassroots communities.
The document further outlines that for one to qualify to become a village elder, there must be recognition through public participation. He or she must be a citizen of Kenya and of sound mind, and also Knowledgeable about the village, culture and residents.
The elders will also be able to participate in the settlement of civil disputes at the village level through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), provide intelligence and early warning information through the Assistant Chief and provide liaison between the community and the national government through the assistant chief.
They will also promote village welfare and cordial working inter-governmental relations within the Village and any other lawful assignments from the assistant chief.
There is a feeling village elders or nyumba kumi heads are not properly recognised in law and thus even issues like remuneration and personal security is a problem.
