Dignity for Elders: Ruto Defends Opening State House to Community Leaders

Nairobi, Kenya — President William Ruto hosted 10,000 village elders at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday for a national forum.

During the summit, he announced a package for over 100,000 elders nationwide.

Additionally, the package includes a Sh3,000 monthly stipend, smartphones, capacity-building training, and medical coverage under SHA.

Formalizing Grassroots Governance

The gathering marks the culmination of a decade-long policy effort to integrate village elders into the national administration structure.

Operating alongside chiefs and assistant chiefs, elders have historically served without regular state remuneration.

Moreover, they mediate local disputes and coordinate security.

“Starting today, every village elder will receive a monthly stipend of Sh3,000,” President Ruto announced. “However, this is not a price for your patriotism.” Patriotism has no price, but it is a sign of the government’s respect and recognition of your contribution.

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│               ELDER WELFARE PACKAGE BENEFITS            │
└────────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────┘
                             │
  MONTHLY STIPEND: Sh3,000 per elder effective August 2026.
                             │
  COMMUNICATION TOOLS: Smartphones provided for service delivery.
                             │
  HEALTHCARE COVER: SHA enrollment for elders and families.
                             │
  POLICY BACKING: Sessional Paper submitted to Cabinet & Parliament.

Defending Public Access to State House

Addressing criticism about hosting large delegations at his official residence, President Ruto responded. Moreover, he defended opening State House to ordinary citizens.

Inviting you to State House is not undervaluing it. It is basically upholding your dignity as humans and leaders in this nation. Moreover, Ruto affirmed this, adding that State House belongs to all Kenyans.

The meeting was attended by senior state officials, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.

Key Takeaways

• Financial Allowance: Over 100,000 village elders will receive a Sh3,000 monthly stipend starting August 2026.
• Administrative Tools: Elders will be equipped with smartphones and enrolled in SHA healthcare coverage.
• Legislative Action: The Ministry of Interior is preparing a sessional paper to anchor the policy in law.

Conclusion

Officials from the Ministry of Interior will present the sessional paper to the cabinet.

Additionally, it will submit it to Parliament to secure statutory funding in upcoming budget cycles.

Moreover, the National Treasury has been directed to align allocations to ensure full execution.