A section of locals in Uasin Gishu county has expressed mixed reactions after revelations that the county was rolling out a program that will see each village elder get a uniform.
The Governor Jackson Mandago-led administration is said to have allocated Sh10 million for the project, and a section of the elders have already received their khaki outfits.
Elders in Moiben and Soy constituencies have already been given the uniforms which the county says are being processed at the local Rivatex factory, based in Eldoret town.
Village elders from the remaining Turbo, Kesses, Ainabkoi and Kapseret are set to receive their uniforms in due time.
According to the Uasin Gishu County Assembly Majority Leader Josphat Lowoi, the procurement of the khaki outfit was approved by Members of County Assembly (MCAs).
Each of the uniforms will be procured at Sh800.
“Money for the uniforms was in the budget. One uniform is expected to cost approximately Sh800 and meant for all elders in the county,” the Karuna/Mibeki MCA was quoted by the Standard.
The county argues that the move will make the village elders 'visible' as they perform their duties.
However, residents have aired different views on the development.
“They should also be given identity cards. It is a good idea for the county because these elders contribute immensely to security and guidance on societal issues,” Mary Chesang, a local said.
But according to Emanuel Serem, another resident, the move was uncalled for.
“The uniforms are just a public relations stunt. They should have used the money for meaningful development such as supplying medicine in hospitals and improving infrastructure,” he said.