A delegation from the Garissa County Assembly Service Board is in Rwanda on a week-long international study tour aimed at deepening understanding of effective local governance and identifying best practices to strengthen devolution in Kenya.
Led by the Speaker of the Garissa County Assembly, Abdi Idle Gure, the delegation is participating in a comparative governance programme that brings together representatives from several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda.
The benchmarking mission formally began with a courtesy call on the Kenya High Commission in Kigali.
The delegation from Garissa briefed officials on the purpose of the visit. Kenya’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Amb. Janet Mwawasi warmly received the team.
Gure praised the ambassador for her hospitality and responsiveness despite the short notice.
He said her leadership exemplified the professionalism and dignity of Kenya’s diplomatic service abroad.
“She has demonstrated exceptional commitment to public service and offered valuable guidance to the delegation as we undertake this important learning mission,” the Speaker said.
Amb. Mwawasi welcomed the delegation and urged members to act as ambassadors of Kenya while drawing practical lessons from Rwanda’s governance and development experience.
The Clerk of the Assembly, Mohamud Abdi Santur, said the study tour would enhance institutional capacity, promote the exchange of best practices and strengthen international cooperation in legislative administration.
“This engagement is critical in improving how county assemblies operate and deliver on their constitutional mandate,” he said.
Garissa County Assembly Majority Leader Mohamed Abdi Farah delivered a vote of thanks, appreciating the High Commission for the warm reception and the insightful discussions.
The delegation also visited the Rwanda Governance Board and the Rwanda Standards Board to gain insights into Rwanda’s governance, regulatory and institutional frameworks, while also sharing experiences on the operations of county assembly service boards.
The team also toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a site dedicated to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, and later took part in a guided city tour of Kigali.
Those accompanying the Speaker include Minister-Counsellor Nasser Okoth; Board Members, Mahat Abdikadir (Madogashe), Abdullahi Ibrahim Sigat (Nanighi) and Abdirizak Ismail Sheikh; Khadija Hibaq Nassir; and secretariat staff Abdi Mohamed Dagane and Abdiaziz Mohamed Noor.
The delegation will conclude its mission with a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening governance and legislative administration in Garissa County.
