Introduction
National unity results from shared values, vision, purpose, and aspirations irrespective of the ethnic, cultural, economic, religious or any other superficial status of people. The key pillars of national unity include education, economic and social interactions, and equitable distribution of national resources. The council of elders are crucial in promoting these pillars for economic prosperity. Kenya hosts multiple communities that have functional council of elders, such as the Myot council of elders among the Kalenjin, the Kaya among the Mijikenda, and the Njuri Ncheke of the Meru. Councils of elders are constituted differently, with majority being old and respected individuals in the society who have integrity, a stable family, are incorruptible, and are not active in politics. Other councils such as that of the Pokomo and Samburu constitute people from different age sets. The oldest age set oversees all the decision-making in the council.
Council of elders are considered information custodians and are referenced due to their important role of educating people about culture and religious beliefs. They possess knowledge on traditional foods, traditional medicine, local dialect, iconic historical events, and community art. Furthermore, they enhance peaceful social interactions by arbitrating conflicts and cases between and within communities. They offer timely Alternative Dispute Resolution at a lower cost and in most cases no cost compared to the judicial system.[1] Timely Alternative Dispute Resolution provides the concerned parties with ample time to engage in other economic activities. This helps promote peace, which is a core factor in enhancing development within communities and the nation. They are also engaged in solving disputes related to use of natural resources, for instance land disputes and water resource disputes.
Given their authority and influence, councils of elders have been involved in promoting peace among communities. This has greatly impacted economic development in local areas. The councils of elders’ function as the lead voices in communities, speaking about the oppression and challenges that need to be addressed. Councils have moved to court to protect the interests of the local community. They also influence community attitudes, behaviours, and perceptions. This can provide an enabling environment for bolstering cohesion and national unity.This blog focuses on various ways through which national unity can be fostered through councils of elders for economic prosperity.
Policy Framework on Promoting National Unity through Councils of Elders
The Sustainable Development Goal 16 recognizes the need to promote inclusive societies for sustainable development while building accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. This policy provides potential for the use of council of elders as an integral institution that can enhance social interactions at the local level. This can promote peace and unity that is integral for economic development. The African Union Agenda 2063 also emphasizes cultural identity, common heritage, values, and ethics to achieve a united Africa. This can be achieved by promoting the renaissance of the African culture and cultural heritage businesses. By incorporating the expertise of the council of elders who are custodians of culture, the goal of a united Africa can be achieved.
The Constitution of Kenya 2010 recognizes national unity as an important value in governance. It identifies culture as the foundation of the nation and as the cumulative civilization of the Kenyan people. It provides for compensation and royalties for use of people’s cultures and cultural heritage. It also highlights the need to incorporate indigenous technologies to promote the nation’s development and all forms of cultural expressions through arts, communication, mass media and celebrations with the aim of promoting national unity. Section 159 (2) of the Constitution provides for the promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution, a function of the council of elders. However, the council of elders are not formally recognized as an institution limiting their mandate.
The National Government Coordination (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the County Government Act of 2012 recognizes the role of village elders. With peace being integral to national unity and economic prosperity, the government introduced a community policing initiative (Nyumba Kumi) in 2017 that seeks to address crime risk factors using village elders. However, village elders differ from council of elders in terms of their qualifications and roles. Unlike the council of elders, the village elders are appointed by the village administrator and are required to meet Chapter Six of the Constitution. This makes anchoring the role of council of elders of promoting national unity a challenge. This constrains their contribution to the community.
The National Policy on Culture and Heritage (2018), in safeguarding the culture of Kenyans, provides for the protection of intangible cultural heritage passed from one generation to the next to preserve a people’s history and unity. The safeguarding measures incorporate educational initiatives entailing research, knowledge dissemination, and capacity building. Research on culture and indigenous medicine can lead to patenting and commercialization. This, in turn, promotes development and economic prosperity that is people-centred. The policy provides a potential for the incorporation of council of elders in research on key artefacts, patenting, and medicinal concepts.
Gaps in Achieving National Unity
Strained social interactions among communities
Despite the interventions by the council of elders, conflicts between and within communities due to natural resource use continue to be a menace hindering national unity. Prolonged droughts and famine have caused pastoralist communities to migrate in search of water and pasture. This has resulted in conflict with crop farming communities. Banditry is also being experienced among livestock-keeping communities, and this has resulted in unending conflicts. With conflicts, hatred and revenge builds in bordering communities and this contributes to strained social interactions and national disunity that, in turn, influences economic prosperity of local communities.
Alcohol and substance abuse
The role of council of elders in the fight against alcohol and substance is still underutilized. As of 2022, alcohol and substance abuse stood at 14 per cent and 18.5 per cent, respectively, among Kenyan youth (Table 1). Substance abuse among youth greatly affects their contribution to national unity. This has contributed to dysfunctional families, loss of lives and increased crime rates. The council of elders has been vocal in strengthening family unit as a basic religious, social, and economic unit.
Table 1: Summary of current use of drugs and substance use among the youth aged 25-35 years in Kenya
| Substance | Prevalence (%) | Population affected |
| Alcohol | 14.0 | 1,137,288 |
| Tobacco | 6.0 | 488,845 |
| Khat | 4.8 | 388,735 |
| Cannabis | 2.1 | 174,142 |
| Prescription drugs | 0.2 | 19,112 |
| Polydrugs (multiple drugs) | 6.1 | 494,218 |
| At least one substance | 18.5 | 1,504,377 |
Source: NACADA (2022)
Inadequate public participation
Introduction of development projects in local communities with inadequate public participation has contributed to national disunity and inequitable distribution of national resources. This has led to under-development, stalling of projects and project rejection by communities. This necessitates the need for the intervention from the council of elders.
Conclusion and Recommendations
There is potential to enhance national unity for economic prosperity through the council of elders. This can be achieved by harnessing their wisdom and expertise. However, there is need to recognize the council of elders as an institution. The policy anchoring of the council of elders will strengthen their role in promoting economic and social interactions. This will provide better guidance for their working framework.
The role of council of elders in conflict resolution can be strengthened through regular support from the national and county governments. With minimal conflicts, peaceful co-existence, the sustainability of businesses and investments is guaranteed thereby promoting economic prosperity. Documenting conflict resolution initiatives by the council of elders can provide valuable lessons for future generations.
The government could incorporate the council of elders in education and youth training programmes addressing alcohol and substance abuse. Furthermore, the training can focus on youth-led sustainable conservation initiatives, together with tapping on a people’s culture and traditions for economic purposes. This will propel youths to respect the rule of law and refrain from engaging in alcohol and drug abuse.
Councils of elders could be utilized to promote development among local communities. They understand and have more information on the societal development needs and are great opinion shapers on investment projects. Therefore, there is need to integrate them in the governance system from the grassroots to the national level. For instance, while introducing development projects in counties, it is advisable to involve the council of elders in public participation forums as they influence decision-making within communities. This will further enhance equitable distribution of national resources and ensure sustainability of projects across counties.
[1] Compendium of Cases by the Luo Council of Elders, 2017
Authors: Elizabeth Naududu and Yegon Wilbon
