Eldoret: Members of the public from North Rift region counties have shared their perspectives on the Draft National Government Village Administration Policy 2025, aiming to enhance the decentralization of government services to grassroots levels. The Ministry of Interior's Undersecretary, Eric Kipkorir, chaired the forum, emphasizing the government's commitment to upholding the 2010 Constitution's national values and principles, including public participation, inclusivity, good governance, and sustainable development.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kipkorir encouraged public input, particularly from current national and county administrators, highlighting their essential role in refining the policy to meet citizens' needs. He noted the importance of Village Administrative Elders in promoting grassroots governance, being closest to the people.
Concerns were raised by village elder Rose Alimlim from Turkana County regarding the future of the traditional village elder system, urging the government to recognize their societal contributions. Alimlim also criticized the education requirement for the new system, fearing it might disqualify many elders from pastoral communities, advocating for experience in conflict resolution as a criterion.
Willy Barasa from Baringo County suggested provisions for safety, life insurance, and retirement benefits for village elders, while Paul Ng'iro from West Pokot County called for better facilitation, including offices, uniforms, and motorbikes for the village administrative system.
Hellen Tuwei, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Uasin Gishu County Coordinator, pointed out the draft policy's lack of provisions for persons with disabilities in village administration roles and inquired about disciplinary measures for administrative elders violating the law.
Deputy Chief State Counsel, Kepha Onyiso, assured that public opinions on the draft policy would be considered before finalizing the document. Public participation forums on the policy were also conducted in other regions, including Nairobi, Nakuru, Garissa, Kilifi, Kisumu, Kitui, Kakamega, and Nyamira.