Garissa County has officially begun preparations to host the 2026 Devolution Sensitisation Week (DSW), a major national event that will bring together county governments, national institutions, development partners, and residents to promote public participation, enhance service delivery, and strengthen Kenya's devolution agenda.
Scheduled to take place from 20 to 24 July 2026, the annual event follows the Council of Governors' (CoG) decision to select Garissa as this year's host county, positioning the region at the centre of national conversations on governance, citizen engagement, and inclusive development.
Preparations gained momentum with the visit of a Council of Governors recce team, which assessed Garissa's readiness ahead of the week-long programme.
The delegation was received by Chief of Staff Abdullahi Gedi, who chaired a high-level planning meeting attended by representatives from various county departments tasked with coordinating the event.
The Devolution Sensitisation Week is one of Kenya's flagship public engagement initiatives, providing a platform for county governments, national government agencies, constitutional commissions, and development partners to interact directly with wananchi while showcasing the impact of devolution on service delivery.
Throughout the event, residents will have access to a wide range of government services, including legal aid, healthcare, land administration, business support, and other essential public services.
Citizens will also participate in public forums designed to gather feedback, discuss policy issues, and strengthen accountability in the implementation of devolved functions.
Speaking during the planning meeting, Chief of Staff Abdullahi Gedi welcomed the Council of Governors' decision to entrust Garissa with hosting the national event, describing it as a significant opportunity for the county to showcase the progress achieved under devolution.
"We appreciate the Council of Governors for selecting Garissa to host this important national event. We are fully committed to working with all partners to ensure successful preparations and a memorable Devolution Sensitisation Week," he said.
He noted that hosting the event would not only bring essential government services closer to residents but also provide a platform for Garissa to highlight key development milestones, investment opportunities, and reforms implemented since the advent of devolution.
County officials said the event is expected to attract governors, cabinet secretaries, members of county assemblies, senior government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, private sector representatives, and citizens from across the country.
The gathering will offer an opportunity to exchange experiences, share best practices, and explore innovative approaches to improving governance, strengthening public participation, and enhancing service delivery at the county level.
For residents of Garissa, the event is expected to improve access to public services while creating opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers on issues affecting their communities.
Public participation sessions will enable wananchi to raise concerns, propose solutions, and contribute to discussions shaping the future of devolution in Kenya.
The hosting of the national event is also anticipated to generate economic benefits for the county, with increased demand for accommodation, transport, hospitality, and other local services expected as delegates from across the country converge in Garissa.
As preparations continue, county officials have reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Council of Governors, national government institutions, and development partners to deliver a successful event that reflects the achievements of devolution while strengthening collaboration between government and citizens.
With Garissa preparing to welcome leaders, development partners, and residents from across Kenya, the 2026 Devolution Sensitisation Week is expected to reinforce the importance of inclusive governance, accountable leadership, and citizen-centred service delivery as key pillars of the country's devolved system of government.