Taita-Taveta Women Representative Lydia Haika has lauded President William Ruto for assenting to the finance legislation that officially paves the way for village elders across the country to receive monthly stipends.
Speaking during a community empowerment event in Voi town, the lawmaker emphasized that the move is a historic milestone in recognizing the critical role grassroots administrators play in maintaining law, order, and community cohesion.
“Village elders are the first line of leadership at the grassroots level. They handle disputes, oversee security, and manage community affairs without any formal compensation. It is only fair that their dedication is rewarded with monthly stipends,” Haika stated.
The MP also extended her gratitude to her parliamentary colleagues who voted in favor of the bill, noting that the approved budget allocations will successfully fund the stipends alongside other key community development projects.
Beyond the village elders, Haika expressed great satisfaction with the government’s structured re-engagement and motivation package for Community Health Promoters (CHPs).
She noted that equipping and financially incentivizing CHPs would drastically improve healthcare delivery at the household level, boosting their morale to serve vulnerable populations.
“Our healthcare system relies heavily on these grassroots health champions. By ensuring they are well-catered for in the national government structure, the President has shown a true commitment to universal healthcare,” she added.
In her address, Haika further commended President Ruto for streamlining the Inua Jamii cash transfer program for senior citizens. She pointed out that under the new digitized system, elderly beneficiaries no longer have to travel long distances or endure grueling queues at distant banking centers to receive their stipends, as the funds are now more accessible within their localities.
The empowerment event culminated in the distribution of development cheques to various women and youth self-help groups, alongside the issuance of tents
