Ruto Announces Monthly Stipend, Free Smartphones, SHA Cover for Village Elders and Their Families

President William Ruto has announced a series of new benefits for village elders, including free Social Health Authority (SHA) cover for their families, smartphones, a monthly stipend, and official government recognition.

Speaking during a meeting with village elders at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, August 4, the President said the government has adopted a policy to formally recognize village elders across the country.

“We now have a government policy to officially recognize village elders. So wherever you stand, you will now be officially recognized,” Ruto said.

Ruto announced that every village elder will begin receiving a monthly stipend of Ksh 3,000.

He also said the government will train all village elders to strengthen their leadership and improve service delivery at the grassroots.

“We have agreed that every village elder will carry out their responsibilities as a leader. We will provide training to each one of you.”

SHA Cover Extended to Families

The President directed National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to ensure every village elder, together with their spouse and children, is enrolled under the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme.

“Let us ensure these people are enrolled in SHA. Every village elder, together with his or her spouse and children, should be included in the SHA programme,” he said.

According to Ruto, the move is aimed at improving access to healthcare for village elders and their families.

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Village Elders to Receive Smartphones from Government 

The President also revealed that the government will provide smartphones to village elders to help them report incidents in their villages more efficiently.

He said the devices will allow them to take photos and share information with the relevant authorities whenever necessary.

“You have told me that you want smartphones with cameras. So that when things are happening, you can take photos and send them. If people are doing the wrong things for example, if someone goes to a disco matanga-you can take a picture, send it, and we will see it.”

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Strengthening Grassroots Administration

Ruto said village elders play a critical role because they live among the people and understand the challenges facing their communities.

He added that the government will work with Parliament to implement the new measures, including funding for the stipend and other benefits, as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots administration

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