President William Ruto has pledged to improve the welfare of village elders across Kenya by enrolling them and their families into the Social Health Authority (SHA), providing them with smartphones, and granting them legal recognition through new legislation. The announcement was made during a meeting with village elders at State House, Nairobi, where Ruto emphasized the importance of their role in community governance and social cohesion.
The proposed measures aim to enhance the living standards of elders, who often serve as custodians of traditional knowledge and cultural practices. By integrating them into the SHA, the government hopes to ensure they have access to essential health services. Additionally, the distribution of smartphones is intended to improve their connectivity and ability to participate in modern governance structures.
Legal recognition for village elders is expected to formalize their status and empower them to play a more active role in decision-making processes. This initiative reflects a broader effort to modernize traditional leadership systems while ensuring they remain relevant in contemporary society. The new legislation is currently under consideration and is expected to be finalized in the coming months. (peopledaily.Digital)
