Kalenjin Council of Elders known as the “Myoot” have called on the Nandi County Government to establish offices for all elders’ councils for effective service delivery.
They said the move will enable them to discharge duties from a central place and serve communities well.
“The work of elders in any community is to make and execute community laws, to listen to and settle disputes, ensure members of the community stay in harmony and to pass on community knowledge and norms across generations in their role as custodians of traditional culture,” they stated.
Myoot chairperson Benjamin Kitur said elders don’t have a place to document the work they do adding that having an office will enable them to perform their duties diligently.
“This culture of elders resolving issues under trees must end. We need to be valued that’s why we are requesting for an office,” Kitur said.
He said since 1963, elders in various communities have done a lot in Kenya in solving conflicts, and all they want is for counties to establish offices where they can work in a conducive environment.
His sentiments were echoed by the chairman of the Nandi Council of Elders (Kaburwo) Peter Mutai who said the office will enable them to plan and discharge their duties well.
According to Mutai, an office not only keeps record of information but also plays the role of reliable channel of communication.
“For smooth functioning of any organisation, an office is required. That why it’s our humble prayer for the county administration to establish one for us,” he said at Kapsabet Show Ground
The elders vowed to work with all elected leaders in the region to ensure locals benefit from the fruits of devolution.
source KNA