Council of Governors and Garissa County Government step up planning as national devolution forum set to bring together leaders, development partners and citizens.
ASAL POST | GOVERNANCE | July 15, 2026
GARISSA – Preparations for the 2026 Devolution Sensitization Week (DSW 2026) have entered a crucial phase, with the Council of Governors (CoG) and the County Government of Garissa intensifying planning ahead of the national event scheduled to take place from July 20 to July 24, 2026.
The latest planning meeting brought together the Council of Governors’ DSW 2026 Planning Committee and the Garissa County Government, led by Governor Nathif Jama, to review progress on logistics, resource mobilization and overall readiness for the week-long forum.
The annual event is expected to attract national and county government leaders, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and members of the public from across the country.
Planning Gains Momentum
According to the Council of Governors, the consultative meeting focused on ensuring that Garissa is fully prepared to successfully host one of Kenya’s flagship devolution forums.
“Preparations for the Devolution Sensitisation Week 2026 are gaining momentum. The Council of Governors’ DSW 2026 Planning Committee met with the Garissa County Government, led by H.E. Nathif Jama, to review planning progress, logistics and resource mobilisation ahead of the event,” the Council said in a statement.
The Council noted that both teams continue to work closely to coordinate all aspects of the programme to ensure a well-organised and impactful event.
Platform for Dialogue on Devolution
The Council of Governors described the Devolution Sensitisation Week as an important national platform that brings together stakeholders to reflect on the progress of devolution while addressing emerging challenges facing county governments.
“DSW 2026 is a platform for public and stakeholder engagement on devolution, highlighting its gains, addressing emerging challenges and promoting dialogue on the future of devolved governance,” the Council stated.
The forum will provide an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore practical solutions for strengthening devolved governance across Kenya.
Garissa Reaffirms Commitment
Governor Nathif Jama’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a successful event, with county officials working closely alongside the Council of Governors to finalise preparations.
According to the Council, planning teams are continuing to coordinate logistics, venue arrangements and stakeholder participation to ensure the smooth execution of the five-day programme.
Showcasing Devolution and Development
Since its introduction, the annual Devolution Sensitisation Week has become one of the Council of Governors’ flagship public engagement initiatives, providing counties with a platform to showcase achievements, promote innovation and discuss policy issues affecting devolved governance.
This year’s edition is expected to focus on the impact of devolution more than a decade after the establishment of county governments under the 2010 Constitution.
Key discussions are expected to cover service delivery, fiscal decentralisation, intergovernmental relations, citizen participation and strategies for strengthening county institutions.
Economic Boost for Garissa
Hosting DSW 2026 is expected to position Garissa at the centre of national discussions on devolution while offering the county an opportunity to showcase its investment potential, cultural heritage and development progress.
The event is also anticipated to provide a boost to the local economy, with hundreds of delegates expected to travel to Garissa for the week-long conference, benefiting hotels, transport operators, restaurants and other businesses.
As preparations continue, the Council of Governors has reaffirmed that Devolution Sensitisation Week remains a vital platform for strengthening public understanding of devolution, promoting citizen participation and shaping the future of county governance in Kenya.
