Kenya inks agreement to host UCLG-Africa’s Eastern Africa regional office

The event, held at the Deputy President's official residence in Karen, Nairobi, is a watershed moment in the country's commitment to increasing decentralisation of governance and citizen empowerment at the grassroots level.

The signing ceremony was attended by key officials such as Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG-Africa, and Terry Mbaika, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Devolution, as well as other dignitaries. 

The agreement allows Nairobi to host the regional office, which will play an important role in promoting local governance and urban development throughout the continent.

In his speech, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki emphasised Kenya's 2010 Constitution, which established devolution as a key pillar of governance.

"The crown jewel of Kenya’s transformative 2010 Constitution is devolution," Kindiki stated, underscoring its significance in dispersing public power to subnational levels for better and more efficient service delivery to the people.

Kindiki emphasised that successful devolution, combined with the development of well-planned urban settlements, would serve as a catalyst for Kenya's and Africa's larger goals of citizen empowerment. 

"The successful rollout of devolved government and sustainable urban settlements will turbo-charge Kenya’s and Africa’s priority agenda for citizen empowerment," he added.

The establishment of the UCLG-Africa regional office in Nairobi reflects Kenya's growing leadership role in promoting local governance, which is critical for ensuring long-term development and greater inclusion in decision-making processes across the continent. 

The office will also serve as an important hub for fostering collaboration between local governments in Eastern Africa and other regions, thereby strengthening regional integration.

This agreement is seen as a step towards strengthening the relationship between national and local governments, allowing for more coordinated efforts to address urban challenges and promote development at all levels.