Local Government and Decentralization Leadership Training Course

Introduction

In an era demanding greater responsiveness and citizen participation, effective local government and well-implemented decentralization are critical for delivering services, fostering local development, and strengthening democratic governance. This intensive 5-day training course is meticulously designed to equip local government leaders, administrators, and decentralization advocates with the strategic understanding, practical tools, and essential leadership skills required to enhance local governance, empower communities, and optimize service delivery at the grassroots level.

This program delves into the core principles of decentralization, fiscal devolution, local economic development, and citizen engagement, providing actionable strategies for navigating complex intergovernmental relations, building local institutional capacity, and ensuring accountability to local constituencies. Participants will gain insights into leveraging local resources, fostering innovation, and leading inclusive development initiatives that genuinely serve the unique needs and aspirations of their communities.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

  • County Governors, Mayors, and Local Councilors
  • County Executive Committee Members and Chief Officers
  • Local Government Administrators and Directors
  • Decentralization Policy Makers and Program Managers
  • Civil Society Leaders working on Local Governance and Community Development
  • Development Partners and Practitioners focused on Decentralization

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental principles and models of local government and decentralization.
  • Analyze the legal, institutional, and fiscal frameworks governing decentralization.
  • Develop strategies for strengthening local governance and administrative capacity.
  • Enhance citizen participation and accountability at the local level.
  • Lead local economic development and service delivery initiatives effectively.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Local Government and Decentralization

  • Defining Local Government and Decentralization: Concepts, Types, and Rationale
  • The Importance of Local Governance for National Development and Democracy
  • Understanding Different Models of Decentralization (Administrative, Fiscal, Political)
  • Historical Overview and Global Trends in Decentralization
  • The Kenyan Context: Devolution and its Unique Features

Module 2: Legal and Institutional Frameworks for Decentralization

  • Constitutional Provisions on Local Government and Devolution (e.g., Kenyan Constitution, Chapters on Devolution)
  • Key Legislation Governing Local Authorities and County Governments
  • Roles and Responsibilities of Different Tiers of Government
  • Inter-Governmental Relations and Coordination Mechanisms
  • Challenges in Legal and Institutional Harmonization

Module 3: Fiscal Decentralization and Local Resource Mobilization

  • Principles of Fiscal Decentralization and Revenue Assignment
  • Understanding Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfers (e.g., Equitable Share, Conditional Grants)
  • Strategies for Enhancing Own-Source Revenue Generation at the Local Level
  • Local Government Budgeting, Planning, and Financial Management
  • Public Finance Management (PFM) Reforms for Decentralized Units

Module 4: Local Economic Development and Planning

  • Role of Local Governments in Fostering Economic Growth and Job Creation
  • Developing Local Economic Development (LED) Strategies
  • Attracting Investment and Supporting Local Businesses
  • Urban and Rural Planning at the Local Level
  • Leveraging Local Resources for Sustainable Development

Module 5: Citizen Participation and Accountability at the Local Level

  • Principles of Participatory Local Governance
  • Mechanisms for Citizen Engagement (e.g., Public Forums, Ward Development Committees)
  • Enhancing Transparency and Access to Information in Local Governments
  • Local Accountability Mechanisms (e.g., Public Audits, Scorecards)
  • Role of Civil Society and Media in Local Governance Oversight

Module 6: Service Delivery Excellence in Local Governments

  • Understanding Local Service Delivery Mandates (e.g., Health, Water, Sanitation, Education)
  • Strategies for Improving Efficiency and Quality of Local Services
  • Citizen-Centric Service Design and Feedback Mechanisms
  • Performance Management for Local Service Providers
  • Addressing Service Delivery Gaps and Equity Challenges

Module 7: Capacity Building and Human Resource Management in Decentralized Units

  • Assessing Capacity Needs of Local Government Institutions
  • Strategies for Building Human Resource Capacity at the Local Level
  • Talent Attraction, Retention, and Succession Planning for Local Governments
  • Leadership Development for Local Administrators and Elected Officials
  • Professionalizing the Local Public Service

Module 8: Challenges, Innovations, and Future of Local Governance

  • Addressing Corruption and Governance Challenges at the Local Level
  • Leveraging Technology for Local Governance (e-Governance, Smart Cities)
  • Innovation in Local Service Delivery and Public Participation
  • Regional Cooperation Among Local Governments
  • Future Trends and the Evolving Role of Local Government in National Development

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

 

Local Government And Decentralization Leadership Training Course in Eritrea
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