The County Government of Kisumu and the U.S. Government, through USAID, this morning signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) 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.
“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.
This MOU 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 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.
“This MOU underscores the faith and support that the US 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,” stated H.E. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, the Governor, Kisumu County.
The MOU was signed by Mission Director Mark Meassick and Kisumu County Governor H.E. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o.
Kisumu County is 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.
