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The European Union, in partnership with the Kenema City Council, has launched a €500,000 grant aimed at strengthening local development and governance initiatives in Kenema City.
The official launch event, held in Kenema, brought together key stakeholders, including the European Union Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Jacek Jankowski, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, and the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Kenyeh Barlay.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Barlay described the EU’s intervention as a significant boost to decentralisation and community-led development, noting that the initiative aligns with the Government of Sierra Leone’s Big Five Game Changers national development priorities.
A major highlight of the launch was a visit to the construction site of new market stalls in Kenema City. The project is designed to provide safe, inclusive, and accessible trading spaces, with a strong focus on empowering women. Beyond improving livelihoods, the stalls are also expected to enhance the revenue base of the Kenema City Council, contributing to the sustainability of local governance.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment as a reliable partner in Sierra Leone’s decentralisation process, emphasizing that the initiative seeks to strengthen local governance structures, improve accountability, enhance service delivery, and ultimately raise the quality of life for citizens.
The grant marks a significant step towards empowering local councils to drive development from the grassroots level, ensuring that communities such as Kenema are better equipped to manage resources effectively and deliver tangible benefits to their people.
