Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has been elected Chairperson of the East Africa Local Governments Association (EACLGA), securing a regional leadership position representing local governments across East Africa.
The County Government of Nyeri announced Kahiga’s election in a statement shared on its official X account on Saturday, November 7, congratulating the governor on what it described as a historic achievement.
The county hailed the election as a major milestone for Kahiga, who will now take up leadership of the regional association bringing together local government institutions from across East Africa.
His election places him at the helm of an organisation focused on strengthening cooperation among local governments and advancing decentralised governance in the region.
The appointment also provides Nyeri County with representation at the regional platform, where issues affecting counties, municipalities and other local government institutions can be discussed.
Kahiga sets out two key priorities
Kahiga identified strengthening the role of local governments in regional affairs and improving the association’s financial sustainability as his two main priorities.
He said his first focus would be to secure greater recognition for the East African Community Local Governments Association (EACGLA) within the broader East African Community (EAC) framework.
The governor argued that local authorities should have a stronger voice in shaping regional policies, decision-making and development programmes.
“EACGLA cannot continue to operate on the periphery. We are an integral part of the East African Community family,” he said.
He pledged to engage the EAC Secretariat, Council of Ministers and other regional institutions to ensure the association is actively involved in regional integration initiatives.
“Our voice must be heard at the EAC table. Our activities must align with the broader vision of regional integration, unity, and development for our people,” he added.
