Kisumu City Manager, Mr. Abala Wanga, has been elected as the National Chairman of the Municipalities and City Managers Caucus, taking over from Nakuru’s Gitau Thabanja for a one-year term.
The election took place during a high-level meeting in Nakuru County, which brought together over 120 municipalities and five cities from across the country.
The caucus plays a crucial role in shaping urban governance, policy-making, and sustainable development for cities and municipalities in Kenya.
Since his appointment as Kisumu City Manager in October 2020, Mr. Wanga has spearheaded transformative urban initiatives that have significantly improved the city’s infrastructure, environmental management, and service delivery.
Under his leadership, Kisumu City has been recognized as the cleanest city in Kenya, earning praise for its waste management strategies and urban beautification projects.
His election to chair the caucus is seen as a recognition of his proven leadership, strategic urban planning, and commitment to sustainable development.
He is expected to use his new role to advocate for progressive policies, enhanced service delivery, and strategic partnerships that will benefit cities and municipalities across Kenya.
As chairman, Mr. Wanga has pledged to focus on:
Enhancing urban governance through improved policy frameworks and leadership development.
Strengthening inter-municipal collaborations to share best practices and innovative solutions.
Promoting sustainable urban development** by addressing waste management, infrastructure, and smart city initiatives.
Advocating for increased funding and resources to support local governments in delivering better services to residents.
Speaking after his election, Mr. Wanga expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and emphasized his commitment to driving transformative changes in urban management.
“I am honored to be elected as the chairman of this crucial caucus. My priority is to foster collaboration among municipalities and cities, ensuring that we create sustainable, clean, and well-managed urban areas for all Kenyans,” he said.
Kisumu City, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, is Kenya’s third-largest city and a key economic hub in the region.
It serves as a vital trade and transportation center, linking Kenya to neighboring countries such as Uganda and Tanzania.
Under Mr. Wanga’s leadership, Kisumu has experienced rapid urban renewal, improved sanitation, and increased investment in infrastructure, positioning it as a model city for urban transformation.
With his election as National Chairman of the Municipalities and City Managers Caucus, Mr. Wanga is expected to drive impactful reforms that will not only elevate the standard of urban management in Kenya but also position municipalities and cities as engines of economic growth and social development.
IAN BYRON