A devolution watchdog has been awarded a continental leadership prize for its role in strengthening local administrations and guiding the transfer of functions.
The Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) received
the Prix d’Excellence du Leadership Local (Pan-African Edition for Excellence
in Local Leadership—PELL Award) earlier this month. The award was presented during the 6th International
Forum on Participatory Democracy in Africa (FIDEPA) 2026 edition held in Dakar,
Senegal.
IGRTC emerged the winner after being nominated among the top three institutions in its category, alongside ministries and technical directorates from Senegal, Rwanda, Angola and Côte d’Ivoire.
The committee was recognised for steering the unbundling of functions from the national government to counties in a way that avoided conflicts, confusion or disruption of public services.
The PELL Award is organised by the International Observatory of Participatory Democracy in Africa (IOPD Africa), in collaboration with UCLG Africa and the African Union.
It celebrates excellence in decentralisation and local governance, honouring institutions and leaders contributing to participatory and inclusive governance across the continent.
The award aligns with the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralisation, Local Governance and Local Development, adopted by heads of state at the African Union Summit in June 2014.
IGRTC made its submission on behalf of the Government of Kenya in July 2025 under the Local Leadership Award (Institutional Category) for directorates.
The submission outlined Kenya’s progress in devolution from the repeal of the Local Government Act (Cap 265) to the implementation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, highlighting the extent to which the objectives of devolution have advanced citizen involvement in governance.
After evaluation of the submission by the Scientific Committee, which provides intellectual support to IOPD Africa, IGRTC was shortlisted among the top five nominees in the Ministries and Technical Directorates category.
IOPD Africa reported receiving more than 700 applications from ministries, local authorities, academia, journalists, young creators and community actors across the continent.
The award focuses on recognising institutions and individuals that deepen democratic practices at the community level, ensuring citizens become active contributors to public decision-making.
It promotes accountability, equity and civic empowerment within local governance structures.
Speaking after receiving the award, IGRTC chief executive officer Kipkurui Chepkwony said the committee was honoured to represent Kenya and to highlight the country’s progress in implementing devolution.
He reaffirmed the
role of IGRTC in promoting excellence in local governance and supporting the
delivery of sustainable services to citizens at the grassroots level.
Chepkwony said the committee functions as an institutional bridge between the national and county governments, ensuring devolution supports equitable development, efficiency and citizen-centred service delivery.
IGRTC facilitates structured coordination and consultation between the two levels of government, creating mechanisms for policy coherence, dispute resolution, and knowledge sharing that reinforce the effectiveness of devolved systems.
Chepkwony said by advancing participatory governance, IGRTC enables county governments to develop and implement inclusive development models that respond to local priorities and needs.
Its initiatives—ranging from the functional transfer of devolved responsibilities, capacity building and performance monitoring to the documentation of devolution success stories have significantly contributed to deepening democratic governance and accountability.
He said by honouring the transformative impact of local leaders and grassroots initiatives, IGRTC recognises that sustainable development is driven by leadership that listens, collaborates and mobilises communities for collective progress.
Instant analysis
This approach aligns to Kenya’s devolution journey with continental aspirations for participatory democracy, positioning IGRTC as a model institution that advances the spirit of local leadership excellence across Africa.
