Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba
Murkomen addresses media after the presentation of the 2026/27 Budget Statement
at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi, on June 11, 2026. /HANDOUT
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has welcomed the Sh3.9 billion allocation for village elders' stipends in the 2026/27 Budget, describing it as the fulfilment of a commitment made during the government's Jukwaa la Usalama engagements.
The allocation was announced by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi in the budget highlights for the 2026/27 financial year.
Murkomen said the government had promised to facilitate village elders in recognition of the role they play in grassroots administration, dispute resolution, security coordination and service delivery.
"During the Jukwaa la Usalama engagements, we pledged to provide our village elders with a stipend," Murkomen said.
According to the CS, the commitment was later reinforced by President William Ruto during the launch of the Jukwaa la Usalama report, when the President directed that funds be provided in the next budget to support village elders.
"I have told the CS that in the next budget he should get some money to provide a stipend for village elders," President Ruto said at the time.
Murkomen said a total of 110,000 village elders are expected to benefit from the programme.
"A total of 110,000 village elders will benefit from this stipend," he said.
The allocation comes as the government rolls out a broader package of security and administrative reforms under the 2026/27 Budget.
In the same budget, the Treasury proposed Sh13 billion for leasing police motor vehicles, Sh7 billion for the Police Modernisation Programme and Sh1 billion for construction of a National Forensic Facility.
Murkomen said the village elders' stipend would strengthen grassroots administration by providing formal support to local leaders who often serve as the first point of contact between communities and government agencies.
Village elders play a key role in identifying vulnerable households, mobilising communities during emergencies, reporting security concerns and assisting with local dispute resolution, especially in rural areas where government services may be less accessible.
He described the inclusion of the stipend in the budget as a promise fulfilled and a milestone in recognising the contribution of village elders to public administration and service delivery.
