The government has processed 96,566 records of village elders for monthly payments of KSh3,000, as the Ministry of Interior continues implementing a nationwide programme targeting 106,000 beneficiaries.
In an update issued on Wednesday, November 11, the ministry disclosed that the verified records had been submitted for payment processing through M-Pesa’s Tunza Vijiji wallet.
However, some applications were returned for reconciliation due to discrepancies in personal details, including names, national identity card numbers and telephone contacts.
Murkomen explains delays in KSh3,000 village elders’ payments
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government was still verifying outstanding records to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries received their monthly facilitation.
Speaking before Parliament, Murkomen assured village elders whose payments had not been processed that they would receive the money in arrears once verification was completed.
“The verification is ongoing and the eligible elders whose records are outstanding would receive their payments in arrears,” he said.
The ministry explained that the nationwide registration exercise was intended to establish an official register of eligible village elders and streamline the payment process.
Village elders to lead Nyumba Kumi clusters
Apart from receiving the monthly KSh3,000 facilitation, the recognised village elders are expected to assume leadership responsibilities within existing Nyumba Kumi clusters in their respective villages.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the elders will serve as chairpersons, helping strengthen communication between residents, local administrators and security officers.
Their responsibilities will include:
- Mobilising communities to participate in government programmes.
- Promoting peace and security at the grassroots.
- Identifying and communicating local community concerns.
- Supporting the implementation of government initiatives.
- Strengthening cooperation between residents and local administration officers.
The ministry said the arrangement would improve coordination between communities and government representatives.
Government to provide smartphones, uniforms and SHA cover
The programme also includes additional support intended to help village elders perform their administrative responsibilities.
The Ministry of Interior listed the following benefits:
- Smartphones to support communication and coordination.
- Governance training to improve their administrative skills.
- Official uniforms and identity badges.
- Enrolment in the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme.
The ministry further indicated that records of eligible beneficiaries would be made available at county commissioners’ offices to allow members of the public to verify those selected.
Government clarifies who qualifies for KSh3,000 monthly payments
The ministry clarified that the KSh3,000 monthly facilitation is specifically intended for designated National Government Village Administrative Elders.
It does not automatically cover every elder serving within Nyumba Kumi clusters.
To coordinate the programme, the State Department has established several administrative structures, including:
- A National Standing Advisory Committee.
- A national secretariat.
- Eight regional management units.
- 49 county and sub-regional management units.
The ministry is also developing a formal policy framework to guide the recognition, responsibilities and support of village elders.
Government announces plans to recruit additional Assistant County Commissioners
The latest update comes days after the Ministry of Interior announced plans to recruit additional Assistant County Commissioners (ACCs) following approval from the Public Service Commission (PSC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the ministry would soon advertise the vacancies to operationalise newly gazetted administrative units across the country.
He encouraged qualified Kenyans, particularly those with experience in grassroots administration, to apply.
“As we bring these units into operation, we want qualified Kenyans, including those already serving their communities, to take up these opportunities and help make government services more accessible,” Omollo said.
Omollo opens new administrative division in Makueni
Omollo made the announcement during a meeting with National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) and village elders ahead of the inauguration of Kikumbulyu Division in Kibwezi, Makueni County.
He subsequently presided over the opening of the new division and the installation of its first Assistant County Commissioner.
The event, organised by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, brought together regional and county administration officials, chiefs, assistant chiefs and village elders.
Omollo explained that the creation of additional administrative units was intended to address geographical challenges that have made it difficult for some residents to access government services.
He said the expansion would bring government services closer to communities, particularly those living far from existing administrative offices.
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