LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN EASTERN AFRICA An analytical Study of Decentralization, Financing, Service Delivery and Capacities

A number of studies have shown that achieving development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) requires enabling and responsive local governance institutions and enhanced coordination of local development stakeholders and initiatives. This calls for application of various development approaches based on needs and local circumstances and may include a mix of direct community involvement, support to local government institutions, area-based (regional) development and decentralized sector-based approaches. Local Government (LG), as a key local governance and service delivery institution, plays a critical role in successful adoption of these methodologies and subsequent realization of local development outcomes.

This study documents the region’s e-orts towards decentralized governance and local development in six countries, that is : Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Union of the Comoros. The Study focuses on four key development areas, namely :
• decentralization ;
• LG finance ;
• inclusive local service delivery ; and
• LG capacity building.

The study highlights notable initiatives undertaken in the region, and identifies key issues affecting LGs as assessed under the four thematic areas and subsequently makes recommendations.

Read the report here