KISUMU, Kenya, February 5, 2020 –The U.S. Government, through USAID, and the County of Kisumu signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on February 4th that signifies a joint commitment to Kenyan-led development in Kisumu County. The MOU reflects their shared vision for ugatuzi or devolution in the county that meets the needs of its residents.
To support Kisumu County in its devolution goal to increase private sector growth, Kisumu has been selected as a focus county under the U.S. Government’s Prosper Africa initiative to increase two-way trade and investment between the United States and Kenya at the county level.
“This MOU underscores the support that the U.S. Government has for devolution in Kenya. The partnership will greatly enhance Kisumu County’s ability and capacity to develop its institutions to respond to the needs of the people of Kisumu,” states H.E. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyongó, Governor, Kisumu County.
The MOU signed today provides a framework to guide the new way that USAID and Kisumu County will do business together, including: aligning activities, plans and budgets; designing new programs and priorities together; jointly monitoring and evaluating programs; and working together to counter corruption and protect beneficiaries. USAID’s past investments in the county have included programs in the areas of democracy and mutual security; youth workforce development; agriculture; health; and education. The United States looks forward to continue working with the County of Kisumu to meet the needs of its residents.
“The United States Government is shifting the way we work. We want our programs to be co-created, co-implemented, and co-measured to address problems and solve them at the county level,” explained USAID Mission Director Mark Meassick.
USAID’s new policy is to end the need for foreign assistance by transforming the relationships between the public, civil society, and private sectors to generate opportunities for all Kenyans. Together, Americans and Kenyans will accelerate the county’s journey to self-reliance.
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For more information please contact:
Sarah Samuel, Communication and Outreach Director
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Kenya and East Africa