Ballooning payroll: MPs propose perks for village elders

The government wage bill could increase further if a proposal by the MPs to remunerate village elders is implemented.

The lawmakers say village elders have been neglected despite their enormous contribution to the society.

The legislators expressed concern that the elders are not paid despite investing their time in day-to-day solving of various problems and disputes in the society, a role that should be recognized not just in kind but in monetary terms.

MPs George Murugara (Tharaka), Erick Muchangi (Runyenjes), Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Chache North), Alfred Agoi (Sabatia) John Mwirigi (Igembe South), Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza), Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira MP), and David Ole Sankok (nominated) said elders play an integral role and need to be appreciated.

In the motion moved by George Murugara, the MP urged the government to formulate and implement a policy on the criteria for recruitment and remuneration of village elders.

Among some of goodies the lawmakers want the government to give village elders in appreciation include free National Hospital and Insurance Fund (NHIF) cover, uniforms and modest offices are

He said village elders facilitate national government services like promotion of education, handling security issues, dispute solving, promoting development initiatives and social services in their villages through the Nyumba Kumi initiative.

“These officers discharge these important duties without any facilitation by the Government, acknowledging the need to appreciate and motivate these village elders for the service rendered,” Murugara said.

Angwenyi said the village elders play a critical role in the society and having them on payment is long overdue.

Sankok said the manner in which the government is currently treating village elders’ amounts to modern day slavery urging that they be considered and treated like other civil servants.

“We have a lot of government projects in the village, when we send people from Nairobi to supervise, it takes lots of money which could be cheaply done by these elders,” Sankok said.

However, Kiminini Chris Wamalwa who also serves as minority leader warned against House legislating in vain, adding that similar motions had been passed by the three previous Houses but nothing has been done in terms of implementation.

“Is it in order for Parliament to legislate in vain? I think it is time to bring it in a form of Bill,” Wamalwa said.

The Kiminini lawmaker instead wants an amendment to the Chief’s Act to create offices of village elders and provide for requirements for appointment and remuneration.

Muchangi noted village elders is a special group of people who should not be taken for granted.

“It is very shocking there is something for very many people who work for government and nothing for the village elders,” he said.