Members of the public drawn from across the North Rift region counties have submitted their views on the Draft National Government Village Administration policy 2025.
The policy seeks to enhance decentralization of government services to citizens’ up to the grassroots level.
The Ministry of Interior, Undersecretary, Eric Kipkorir who chaired the forum pointed out that the government is keen to uphold the provisions of the 2010 Constitution’s national values and principles of governance that include participation of people, inclusivity, good governance and sustainable development.
Speaking during the public forum held at the multi-purpose county hall, Eldoret, Kipkorir urged members of the public whose majority were current national and county administrators to submit their views, noting that they are very key in informing policy review and refinement to suit the needs of all citizens.
The Undersecretary indicated that Village Administrative Elders play a crucial role in promoting Bottom-Up National Governance at the grassroots being the closest to the people.
A village elder, Rose Alimlim from Turkana County however raised concern over the fate of the current village elder system, which existed since the pre-colonial time, noting that the government should consider their contribution to the society and that they should be considered in the new village administrative elder system.
Alimlim decried the education qualification requirement for the new system, which she regretted will see many village elders from pastoral communities not qualifying and pleaded with the government not to consider their education, but their experience in dealing with communal conflicts and disputes through traditional mechanisms.
On his part, Willy Barasa from Baringo County proposed consideration of safety, life insurance and retirement benefits for village elders, while Paul Ng’iro from West Pokot County, called for facilitation of the village administrative systems in terms of establishing offices for village elders and giving them uniforms and motorbikes among other necessities.
The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Uasin Gishu County Coordinator Hellen Tuwei noted that the draft policy has not stipulated the requirements for PWDs to qualify for the village administration jobs, noting that, they also can serve the community.
She also sought to know about the disciplinary mechanisms for the village administrative elders in case they are found on the wrong side of the law.
The Deputy Chief State Counsel, Ministry of Interior and the National Administration, Kepha Onyiso, assured the public their opinions on the draft policy will be put into consideration before coming up with the final draft.
The public participation forums on the Draft policy were held across other regions including Nairobi, Nakuru, Garissa, Kilifi, Kisumu, Kitui, Kakamega, and Nyamira.
By Ekuwam Sylvester and Fredrick Maritim
