KENEMA, SIERRA LEONE — Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has launched a nationwide regional consultation on local governance and decentralisation, which began with an event in Kenema.
The initiative aims to strengthen local institutions, improve public service delivery, and ensure that government policies more accurately reflect the needs and realities of communities across the country.
Addressing stakeholders at the Kenema consultation, Vice President Jalloh emphasised the importance of listening.
He stated that the government is committed to hearing directly from communities and local institutions about the challenges they face and opportunities for improvement. “We are here to listen to your concerns and questions,” he told participants, emphasising that the consultations are intended to gather practical feedback rather than serve as political rallies.
The Vice President described the meetings as forums for open and constructive dialogue aimed at identifying major challenges and developing practical solutions. He explained that the feedback gathered would help shape the government’s next steps, potentially informing policy decisions, Cabinet deliberations, and, as needed, legislative action.
A key component of the engagement was the formation of a Regional Coordination Committee. The committee is expected to improve coordination among local governance bodies and establish a formal mechanism for resolving issues within the decentralisation framework. Officials stated that the committee will play a critical role in ensuring a more structured and collaborative approach to implementing decentralisation reform.
Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alfred Moi Jamiru, used the occasion to advocate for stronger local councils and increased institutional capacity. “We must strengthen the capacity of our councils,” he said, emphasising that strong local institutions are critical for providing effective services to citizens. Dr Falla D. Lamin, Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, emphasised the need for stronger institutions and improved coordination among governance actors.
Participants in the Kenema consultation applauded the government’s outreach and the Vice President’s direct participation. Many people praised the decision to hold the consultations in local areas, saying it allowed people to raise concerns, share experiences, and help shape the future of decentralisation in a more accessible environment.
The Kenema meeting kicks off the regional phase of the nationwide consultation process. Officials said engagements will continue in the Northern and Northeastern regions, building on similar discussions held in Freetown. The overall goal is to advance reforms that will make local government more effective, accountable, and responsive to the needs of Sierra Leoneans.
