Why Nyanza residents want village elders paid salaries

The residents – from Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii and Nyamira Counties said village elders have for long worked in difficult environments geared towards ensuring law, order and cohesion at village levels without receiving anything from the government.

They said payment of salaries will motivate village elders to up their game, towards supporting the work of chiefs and assistant chiefs, in their areas of jurisdiction.  

They spoke during a public participation exercise on the draft national government village elders policy and the draft national government coordination (administrative units) regulations, 2025.

Through the two draft regulations, the government seeks to strengthen governance, service delivery, and national cohesion at the grassroots level.

Grace Ochieng, a village elder in Awendo, Migori county said she has served in the position for the last 11 years, without any form of remuneration from the government.

“Even if I can get a salary of Sh11, 000 from the government every month, I will really appreciate it. I have volunteered for all that time,” she said.  

“Village elders need to be recognized and paid salaries. They have depended on stipends for a very long time,” said another attendee.

Section of Nyanza residents who attended the public participation exercice. Photo/JM

Benson Leparmorijo, Kisumu Commissioner sympathized with village elders, stating that they have been working for many years, serving the government and members of the public, without their position formally being anchored on any legal framework.

“We are also exploring the possibility of having them re-enumerated, giving them some stipend as a way of appreciating the good work they do,” said the County Commissioner.

Those who did not find time to attend the session, Leparmarijo said, can channel their contributions through various online channels.

The public participation exercise was conducted in various parts of the country.