NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has taken a major stride in promoting devolution and regional empowerment with the signing of a Headquarters Agreement to establish the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa’s (UCLG-Africa) Eastern Africa Regional Office in Nairobi.
The ceremony, held at Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s official residence in Karen, marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to champion decentralised governance and grassroots empowerment.
The agreement positions Nairobi as a hub for advancing local governance and urban development across Eastern Africa.
It was endorsed by high-profile attendees, including UCLG-Africa Secretary General Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi and Terry Mbaika, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Devolution.
Speaking at the event, Deputy President Kindiki highlighted the central role of devolution in Kenya’s governance framework, a principle enshrined in the country’s transformative 2010 Constitution.
He described devolution as the “crown jewel” of Kenya’s governance reforms, designed to decentralise power and enhance service delivery.
“The successful rollout of devolved government and sustainable urban settlements will turbo-charge Kenya’s and Africa’s priority agenda for citizen empowerment,” Kindiki stated.
He underscored the importance of planned urbanisation in driving both national and continental development goals.
The establishment of the UCLG-Africa office cements Kenya’s leadership in advancing local governance and urbanisation policies.
It also strengthens regional integration by providing a platform for collaboration between Eastern African local governments and their counterparts across the continent.
Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi lauded Kenya for its commitment to devolution, noting that the new office would serve as a resource hub to address urban challenges and promote inclusive decision-making.
The move comes as Kenya intensifies efforts to align local governance with broader development goals, aiming for greater citizen involvement in decision-making processes.
The regional office is expected to support initiatives that bridge gaps between national and local governments, enhance urban resilience, and drive sustainable development across Africa.
The ceremony, held at Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s official residence in Karen, marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to champion decentralised governance and grassroots empowerment.
The agreement positions Nairobi as a hub for advancing local governance and urban development across Eastern Africa.
It was endorsed by high-profile attendees, including UCLG-Africa Secretary General Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi and Terry Mbaika, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Devolution.
Speaking at the event, Deputy President Kindiki highlighted the central role of devolution in Kenya’s governance framework, a principle enshrined in the country’s transformative 2010 Constitution.
He described devolution as the “crown jewel” of Kenya’s governance reforms, designed to decentralise power and enhance service delivery.
“The successful rollout of devolved government and sustainable urban settlements will turbo-charge Kenya’s and Africa’s priority agenda for citizen empowerment,” Kindiki stated.
He underscored the importance of planned urbanisation in driving both national and continental development goals.
The establishment of the UCLG-Africa office cements Kenya’s leadership in advancing local governance and urbanisation policies.
It also strengthens regional integration by providing a platform for collaboration between Eastern African local governments and their counterparts across the continent.
Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi lauded Kenya for its commitment to devolution, noting that the new office would serve as a resource hub to address urban challenges and promote inclusive decision-making.
The move comes as Kenya intensifies efforts to align local governance with broader development goals, aiming for greater citizen involvement in decision-making processes.
The regional office is expected to support initiatives that bridge gaps between national and local governments, enhance urban resilience, and drive sustainable development across Africa.
