Village elders are set to benefit from a Sh3.9 billion allocation under Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi’s 2026/27 budget proposals, marking a major step in formal recognition of their role in grassroots administration and security.
The proposed funding will facilitate payment of stipends to village elders, who are expected to operate under the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) within the Ministry of Interior.
According to Mbadi, the allocation is intended to acknowledge the contribution of village elders in maintaining security and addressing social challenges within communities.
The proposal forms part of a broader plan to strengthen the country’s security architecture, with the Treasury setting aside Sh566.7 billion for the security sector.
“These allocations strengthen national security and uphold the rule of law,” said Mbadi.
Under the proposed budget, the Ministry of Defence would receive the largest share at Sh252.1 billion, followed by the National Police Service (NPS) at Sh144.7 billion. The National Intelligence Service has been allocated Sh64 billion, while the Kenya Prisons Service is set to receive Sh42.6 billion. The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration has been allocated Sh63.9 billion.
Within the police budget, Sh13 billion has been earmarked for the leasing of police vehicles, Sh7 billion for police modernization programmes and Sh1 billion to continue upgrading the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) National Forensic Laboratory.
Beyond security, the Treasury has proposed Sh41.8 billion for social protection programmes targeting vulnerable groups across the country.
The allocation includes Sh24.6 billion for cash transfers to older persons, Sh8.9 billion for orphans and vulnerable children, and Sh1.5 billion to support persons living with severe disabilities.
Additional funding includes Sh4.3 billion for the Kenya Hunger Safety Net Programme, Sh550 million for the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya, Sh1.1 billion for the Child Welfare Society of Kenya and Sh200 million to support autism and albinism programmes.
The budget proposals also outline Sh110.2 billion for targeted youth and development initiatives. Among the allocations is Sh12.5 billion for the National Youth Service (NYS), Sh4.9 billion for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, Sh1.6 billion for youth employment support initiatives and Sh1 billion for film development services.
The proposed allocations now await parliamentary consideration as part of the government’s spending plans for the next financial year.
