The Regional Development Programme (RDP) Technical Working Group earlier today convened at the Ministry of Local Government to review programme performance for the Financial Year 2025/26 and consider preparations for the Joint Regional Development Programme Annual Review (JRDPAR) 2026.
During the meeting, programme institutions presented their performance reports, highlighting progress made during the financial year as well as challenges that affected the implementation of planned activities.
The discussions raised concerns about assessing institutions against activities for which the required resources had not been provided. Technical officers noted that this could result in institutions being assessed as having failed to deliver despite the absence of the resources required for implementation.
The meeting also discussed the design of some performance indicators, with emphasis on the need for those responsible for the appraisal framework to make them clearer, more specific and properly aligned with the mandates of the respective institutions.
The Local Government Finance Commission presented progress on local revenue mobilisation. Discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening expenditure tracking to establish how locally generated revenue is being utilised and contributing to service delivery in Local Governments.
The Technical Working Group also considered the concept for the Joint Regional Development Programme Annual Review 2026, which is scheduled for 29–30 October 2026. The proposed review will assess implementation of the Regional Development Programme during FY 2025/26 and inform priorities and actions for the subsequent planning and budgeting cycle.
The meeting further reviewed the proposed theme, methodology, analytical papers, roadmap and other preparations for the Annual Review.
The Ministry of Local Government is the lead institution for the Regional Development Programme, whose goal is to improve the delivery of decentralised services and promote balanced regional development.
