The County Government of Uasin Gishu plans to spend Kshs10 million to purchase uniforms for village elders.
According to county officials, the uniforms are a plan to make village elders more visible in their areas of jurisdiction.
“The uniform is a symbol of authority and a form of identification. Our elders have continued to play a pivotal role in our societies,” stated Wilson Sawe, Devolution, and Administration acting Chief Officer.
He added that the elders were concerned that, each time they confronted illicit brewers, their clothes got torn and dirty.
The Standard established that the uniforms are being manufactured at the Eldoret-based Rivatex factory.
Last week, 73 village elders from Karuna-Meibeki ward received their uniforms at Karandili and Kaplolo chiefs' offices.
The elders pledged to work closely with the county administration in enforcing the law.
Elders from Soy and Moiben sub-counties have also received their khaki brown uniforms, with Turbo, Kapseret, Kesses, and Ainabkoi set to receive theirs in due course.
County Assembly Majority Leader Josphat Lowoi defended the budget claiming, “Money for the uniforms was in the budget. One uniform is expected to cost approximately Kshs 800 and meant for all elders in the county.”
West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo had sought to amend the National Government Co-ordination Bill so that elders could be recruited by the Public Service Commission but it was, however, rejected on the premise that it was unconstitutional.
