Challenges Faced by Village Elders in Security Risk Management in Kitui West Sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya

Village elders play an important role in grassroots security risk management through local surveillance, information gathering, conflict management, identification of emerging security threats, and collaboration with formal security agencies. However, their capacity to perform these functions may be constrained by institutional, resource, social, and operational challenges. This study examined the challenges faced by village elders in security risk management in Kitui West Sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya. The study was guided by Protection Motivation Theory and Structural Functionalism Theory. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population comprised 70,871 community members, 110 village elders, 33 sub-chiefs, 11 chiefs, and 21 police officers, giving a total target population of 71,046. A sample of 204 respondents was selected using stratified sampling and simple random sampling within the identified respondent categories. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to village elders, community members, sub-chiefs, and police officers, while key informant interviews were conducted with chiefs. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented using tables, while qualitative responses from key informant interviews were analysed thematically using content analysis. The findings indicate that village elders faced multiple and interconnected challenges in security risk management. The most prominent challenges included ineffective information flow (97.6%), inadequate training and capacity (96.4%), lack of remuneration frameworks (95.3%), and inadequate support from formal security agencies (95.3%). Other challenges included weak government support, poor recruitment criteria, weakened traditional governance systems, unclear mandates, limited recognition, and lack of motivation, illiteracy, community mistrust, and perceptions of bias in decision-making. The study concludes that although village elders possess significant potential to contribute to grassroots security risk management, their effectiveness is constrained by inadequate institutional, financial, training, informational, and operational support. The study recommends structured training and capacity building for village elders, as well as a clear institutional framework to define their roles, strengthen coordination with security agencies, and provide appropriate support.

Keywords

Village elders, security risk management, grassroots security, community policing, traditional governance

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Challenges Faced by Village Elders in Security Risk Management in Kitui West Sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya

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