By; Luganda David Nsiyonna
Nairobi, Kenya – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has initiated a series of national consultations to review its 2021–2025 strategy and develop a new one for 2026–2030. The first consultation, held in Kenya, recently concluded, setting a precedent for a member-state driven approach to regional policy-making.
The three-day forum in Kenya convened a wide array of stakeholders, including government representatives, partners, and other key players. Participants engaged in thematic discussions, presenting findings and recommendations to shape a new, forward-looking framework. The goal is to ensure the new strategy captures national priorities while aligning with IGAD’s regional agenda and broader continental frameworks. This process, as stated by IGAD, “will gather input from governments, partners, and stakeholders to assess progress, address emerging challenges, and shape a forward-looking, inclusive framework for the region’s next five years.”
The Kenyan government is currently harmonizing the collected input in collaboration with the IGAD Secretariat. The exercise is being carried out with financial support from the Swedish, Danish, and German embassies through the ISAP IV program
Dr. Anthony Awira, IGAD’s Director of Planning, Coordination, and Partnerships, emphasized the importance of active member state engagement in shaping the organization’s future. He praised Kenya’s comprehensive consultation as a model for other nations, urging member states to “actively shape the regional agenda through inclusive and expert-driven dialogue.”
Following the successful start in Kenya, consultations will continue across all IGAD member states. According to IGAD, this process will ensure “regional ownership and alignment with shared priorities” as the organization prepares to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the next five years.
