Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok has welcomed President William Ruto’s decision to formally incorporate more than 100,000 village elders into the National Government administration, saying the move reflects an idea that Bomet County pioneered five years ago.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Barchok said the county government introduced a programme that integrated village elders into its administration and provided them with a monthly token in recognition of the role they play in supporting local governance, social order and community development.
“Five years ago Bomet County Government embarked on a novel concept of incorporating village elders into our administration. We have been offering the elders a monthly token in appreciation of the role they play in society alongside our administrators and national government administrators,” Barchok said.
The governor expressed satisfaction that the initiative has now gained national traction, congratulating President Ruto for extending the model countrywide.
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“We are delighted that this idea has now been spread across the country. We congratulate H.E President William Samoei Ruto on the onboarding of over 100,000 village elders onto the National Government administration,” he added.
Barchok said the county would continue collaborating with the elders even as they transition into the national administrative structure, describing the arrangement as an example of cooperation between county and national governments.
“In the true spirit of interdependence between the National and County Governments, the County Government of Bomet will continue working closely with the elders even as they cross over to the National Government,” he said.
The statement comes amid ongoing efforts by the national administration to strengthen grassroots governance and community-based service delivery through closer engagement with local leadership structures.
Ruto’s plan for the village elders
Speaking during an engagement with village elders at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, President William Ruto directed the National Treasury to ensure the newly announced stipends for village elders are factored into the budget, while calling for additional funding to facilitate the rollout of the new benefits.
“These leaders should now return to Parliament so that we can complete three more things. Mr Mbadi, ensure these people receive their money. Every village elder and their children should be enrolled into SHA. Once we complete this budget, by January 1 they should all be under SHA and continue with their lives,” Ruto said.
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The President also ordered the government to increase the allocation for the programme to enable every village elder to receive a modern smartphone to support service delivery at the grassroots.
“They now understand digital services. Increase the budget a little so that each one of them can receive a proper smartphone,” he said.
Very well articulated