NEPAD / APRM Kenya Secretariat

In photos: FGDs on County Peer Review Mechanism in Kajulu, Kolwa, Kondele, Kaloleni, Manyatta and Migosi wards in Kisumu county

In photos: ongoing Focus Group Discussion on County Peer Review Mechanism in; Wang'chieng, Ahero, Nyando, West and East Kamagak-Omabei, Wawidhi, wards.
The County Peer Review Mechanism is a governance programme that mirrors the Continental African Peer Review Mechanism offers a platform for the County Government to undertake self-assessment of the counties.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat, Amb. Dr. Samori Okwiya, participated in a ward engagement forum at North Nyakach Ward in Kisumu County as part of the ongoing County Peer Review Mechanism (CPRM) process.

The activities is running simultaneously in three counties; Kisumu, Migori and Homabay

The engagement brought together local leaders, community members, youth, women groups, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss governance, service delivery, development priorities, and citizen participation within the county.
Speaking during the forum, Amb. Dr. Samori Okwiya emphasized the importance of the County Peer Review Mechanism as a participatory platform that promotes accountability, transparency, inclusive governance, and sustainable development at the county level. He noted that the CPRM process provides an opportunity for citizens to openly share their views, experiences, and recommendations on key development issues affecting their communities.
The CEO further highlighted the significance of grassroots engagement in strengthening democratic governance and ensuring that county development initiatives align with the needs and aspirations of the people. He encouraged residents of North Nyakach Ward to actively participate in the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and contribute towards shaping actionable recommendations that will support improved governance and service delivery in Kisumu County.
The ward engagement forms part of the broader CPRM consultations being conducted across Kisumu County aimed at fostering peer learning, identifying best practices, and enhancing collaboration between stakeholders for inclusive and people-centered development.

The need to place young people at the centre of Africa’s governance, leadership and development agenda took centre stage during the Africa Day 2026 celebrations held at the United States International University–Africa.

Speaking during the commemoration, Amb. Dr. Samori Okwiya challenged African leaders, institutions and stakeholders to create meaningful opportunities that empower youth to actively participate in shaping the continent’s future.
The event, held under the theme “The Role of the Youth in the Governance and Leadership Discourse in Africa,” brought together diplomats, scholars, students, Pan-Africanists and members of the East African Youth Parliament to reflect on Africa’s development journey and the place of young people within it.

Addressing the participants, Amb. Dr. Okwiya stated that Africa Day remains a historic reminder of the vision of the founders of the Organization of African Unity in 1963 a vision anchored on unity, liberation, dignity and self-determination for African people.

He emphasized that while Africa has made significant progress over the decades, the continent’s future will largely depend on how effectively it invests in and empowers its youthful population.

“Africa today is the youngest continent in the world, with the majority of its population below the age of 35. If properly harnessed, this demographic reality presents a unique strategic opportunity for transformation, innovation and prosperity,” he said.

Additionally, Amb. Dr. Okwiya, noted that Agenda 2063 recognizes the critical role of youth in driving Africa’s socio-economic transformation and sustainable development. He observed that young Africans are already making significant contributions across various sectors including technology, entrepreneurship, creative arts, peacebuilding and civic engagement.

“Across the continent, the youth are redefining African identity through music, film, fashion, sports and innovation, while increasingly influencing governance conversations and community development initiatives,” he stated.

Amb. Dr. Okwiya also urged African youth to embrace peacebuilding and social cohesion, noting that young people have a role to play in countering extremism and fostering peaceful coexistence across societies. He further challenged the youth to believe in Africa’s collective potential and work beyond borders, ethnicity and divisions in advancing the continent’s unity and integration agenda.

In conclusion he emphasised the Secretariat’s commitment in supporting the domestication and implementation of the African Union Agenda 2063 framework, dubbed “The Africa We Want.”

The NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat congratulates Prof. Olive Mugenda on formally assuming office as Chairperson of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Panel of Eminent Persons.
Prof. Mugenda’s assumption of office follows her endorsement at the 35th Ordinary Session of the APR Forum of Heads of State and Government participating in the APRM.
Her appointment shows Kenya’s commitment to advancing the principles of good governance, accountability, and peer learning across Africa through the APRM.

Happy Eid-ul-Fitr from The NEPAD-APRM Kenya Secretariat

Focus Group Discussions and Courtesy call at the Office of the County Commissioner, Kitui County. The Team was received by Mr. Koinary Saldimu, Assistant County Commissioner (ACC), Kitui County.

Courtesy call to the Deputy County Commissioner Baringo County Mr. Gakinya Mbugua and later had the Focus Group Discussions with participants at the County Commissioner's Boardroom.

Courtesy call to the Deputy County Commissioner Nakuru County Mr. David Mutoko and subsequent Focus Group Discussions with participants on Targeted Review on Youth Issues

The NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat continues to engage counties across the country through courtesy calls and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) as part of the ongoing Targeted Review on Youth Issues

In Nyandarua County, the team paid a courtesy call to the County Commissioner, Abdirizak Jaldesa, who welcomed the delegation and underscored the significance of the ongoing review. He shared perspectives on the challenges affecting young people in the county and emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue in shaping policies that respond to youth aspirations. The Commissioner later officially opened the Focus Group Discussion session, which brought together participants to deliberate on key youth governance and development concerns.

Similarly, in Kakamega County, the team paid a courtesy call to County Commissioner Onesmus M. Kyatha before holding a Focus Group Discussion with participants at the County Commissioner’s Planning Hall. The session provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange views and highlight priorities and opportunities surrounding youth engagement, empowerment, and participation within the county.

In Lamu County, the engagements were preceded by a courtesy call to the Office of the County Commissioner, where the team was received by the Deputy County Commissioner, Japheth Nyongesa. He welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the importance of engaging young people in governance and development processes.

The findings from these county-level engagements will form a final report which will undergo stakeholder validation and review by the Government of Kenya before being presented at an AU Summit for consideration and adoption.