Kenya 

Introduction

The Republic of Kenya, a unitary state, lies astride the equator on the eastern coast of Africa, bordered by Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, Sudan and Ethiopia to the north, and Somalia to the east. It has an estimated population of 36,913,721and a land area of 582,646 sq km. 

The capital city is Nairobi, and the two official languages are Kiswahili and English. Administratively the country has seven provinces and one area (Nairobi). The provinces are divided into 69 districts, which are further divided into divisions, locations and sub-locations. Kenya has 175 local authorities including 67 county councils, 43 municipal councils, 62 town councils, and three city councils.

 The contribution of local government to GDP was 1.1 per cent in 2001. 

Summary

Kenya has embarked on a major review of the constitution, which when completed is expected to give recognition to local government, and revised local government legislation will follow. 

Under existing legislation the autonomy of local government is curtailed by the powers accorded to the Minister of Local Government, and the influence of the provincial administration through the district commissioners.

Measures have been put in place to reduce corruption and, under the Kenyan Local Government Reform Programme, mechanisms have been introduced to strengthen the resource base and financial accountability of local government, and to promote citizen participation. Pressure from the donor community is likely to ensure that the reform programme of the government elected in December 2002 is taken forward.

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