The NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat is undertaking a sensitization workshop aimed at equipping county officials from Kitui, Isiolo, Marsabit, Meru, Mandera, Samburu, and Nairobi with an understanding of the County Peer Review Mechanism (CPRM). This initiative is in line with the Council of Governance’s Resolution 32, stemming from the 4th Devolution Conference of 2017, and is a crucial step in enhancing governance and accountability at the county level.
Mr. Peter Kimemia, the Director of APRM & Governance, giving a presentation on National Values during the sensitization workshop
CPRM is a voluntary, sub-national assessment framework inspired by the continental African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). Its primary goal is to improve governance by fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and participation at the local level. CPRM further encourages both State and non-state actors to engage in a bottom-up self-assessment process that foster peer learning, enabling counties to identify strengths and address governance challenges effectively.
During today’s sensitization session, county officials were briefed on the importance of the CPRM in promoting good governance and upholding national values. They were introduced to the tools and questionnaires used in the CPRM process, which are designed to assess key governance areas such as transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in public service delivery. The initiative underscores the importance of these principles in fostering effective governance and public trust, urging county officials to apply these insights to strengthen governance practices within their counties.
Mr. Peter Kimemia, the Director of APRM & Governance, emphasized that the CPRM is a tool for counties to assess their own performance, identify their areas of strength, and point out areas of improvement. He noted that beyond improving local governance, the CPRM fosters a culture of collaboration and shared learning, allowing counties to learn from one another’s experiences and build a stronger foundation for democratic practices across Kenya.
CPRM presents an opportunity for counties to demonstrate their achievements and exchange knowledge on effective governance strategies. By encouraging active participation from government officials, civil society organizations, and citizens, the mechanism seeks to establish a framework for delivering quality public services. As the sensitization workshops continue across counties, it is anticipated that counties will acceede to CPRM as a vital tool for improving governance practices, thereby contributing to the overall democratic and development goals of Kenya. Through this process, counties will play a critical role in shaping a governance landscape that is both transparent and accountable to the citizens it serves.
