village elders,Village Elders Policy Stories

Kenya’s village elders poised for formal recognition after years on the sidelines
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Apr 17, 2025

The proposed policy seeks to define who qualifies to serve as a village elder, outline their responsibilities, and offer training and logistical suppo...

Gov’t seeks public views on plan to recognise, pay village elders
Lucy Mumbi  |  Apr 14, 2025

For years, village elders have served as pillars of their communities—resolving disputes, promoting peace, collecting data and reporting security thre...

State abandoned us but elders came to our plight – abducted chiefs narrate ordeal during 62 days in captivity
Lucy Mumbi  |  Apr 13, 2025

The chiefs were held in one of the most dangerous regions of Somalia, where government forces rarely venture. Their ordeal has raised serious concerns...

Senators urge improved terms, protection for village elders and Nyumba Kumi leaders
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Apr 11, 2025

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei led the calls, saying that village elders and Nyumba Kumi leaders should be given the same recognition and opportunitie...

Gusii elders back Matiang’i to vie for presidency in 2027 elections
Lucy Mumbi  |  Mar 20, 2025

Despite the endorsements and growing speculation, Matiang’i has maintained a low profile since leaving office and has not publicly declared his presid...

Gadaa system: Centuries-old tradition uniting Borana, Oromo communities in Kenya and Ethiopia
Issa Hussein  |  Mar 13, 2025

The two communities who share ancestral lineage are one of the largest ethnic groups in Sub-Saharan Africa belonging to the Cushitic speaking in Ethio...

Wiyoni: Lamu’s 'Little Dubai' which has embraced modernity amidst centuries-old culture
Farhiya Hussein  |  Mar 09, 2025

Homeowners in Wiyoni have been enjoying the freedom to build their homes without any restrictions on the architectural rule or blueprint to follow.

Ruto awards Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, Princess Zahra Aga Khan Kenya’s highest honour
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Mar 08, 2025

The Aga Khan family has long been involved in Kenya’s development, and these recognitions also reflect the lasting legacy of Aga Khan IV, who passed a...

Coronation of clan elders gains new popularity in north eastern Kenya
Issa Hussein  |  Feb 24, 2025

In Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties, there has been an upsurge of coronation of clan elders.

MPs summon Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo over Sh100 million Inua Jamii budget cut
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Dec 05, 2024

The committee has not yet specified the exact date for PS Kiptoo's appearance, but the summons will include detailed instructions.

Borana community gets new chairman for council of elders in colourful ceremony
Issa Hussein  |  Nov 04, 2024

Ululations and songs filled the air as the outgoing community leader, retired Chief Abdullahi Haji, handed over the instruments of power to the incomi...

Untapped potential of older workers key to addressing labour underutilisation
Alfred Onyango  |  Oct 05, 2024

When becoming jobless, seniors tend to leave the labour force altogether rather than job-seeking.

Garissa elders warned against using maslah courts to resolve criminal cases
Issa Hussein  |  Sep 26, 2024

The county commissioner instructed chiefs and Nyumba Kumi elders to remain focused to ensure criminals are apprehended.

Inua Jamii beneficiaries to be paid via mobile phones from December
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Sep 20, 2024

The directive aimed to save beneficiaries from the hassle and expenses of travelling to collect their stipends.

How passion for the elderly helped Isiolo woman transition from politics
Waweru Wairimu  |  Aug 20, 2024

Lucy Mworia's passion for persons aged above 60 years was informed by a lack of clear laws to protect and safeguard their rights.

Interior Ministry proposes monthly allowances for village elders in new Bill
Lucy Mumbi  |  Aug 11, 2024

Kindiki said the Bill seeks to recognise village elders as National Government Administrative Officers, proposing payment of allowances as determined...

Govt urged to enhance support for the elderly through Older Persons Bill 2024
Farhiya Hussein  |  Jul 01, 2024

During a press briefing at a public participation forum on the bill held in Kilifi on Sunday, Kiama expressed his dissatisfaction with the current lev...

Govt sets aside Sh2.7 billion annual budget for village elders' salaries
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Jun 21, 2024

Expressing confidence in having the elders on the government payroll, PS Omollo said the resources required are manageable.

National Assembly in new push to have village elders join civil service
Barack Oduor  |  May 14, 2024

If it is passed into law, the move will see more than 45,000 village elders get into the civil service.

Finding solace in solitude: Forgotten elders of Mji Wa Huruma speak out
Hanifa Adan  |  Apr 02, 2024

They say loneliness had pushed them to the home where they now feel abandoned by family.

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