BY AGWANDA SAYE: Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga has called on all existing and emerging estate and neighborhood associations within the city to formalize their operations by registering with the Department of Social Development under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, or through any legally recognized registration authority such as the Societies Act (Cap 108).

In a formal notice, Wanga emphasized that acquiring valid legal status and supporting registration documents is a prerequisite for neighborhood groups seeking official accreditation by the City of Kisumu.

The accreditation forms and application guidelines have already been made available on the city’s official website.

The directive sets a 90-day deadline for neighborhood and estate groups to complete their registration and submit their accreditation applications.

The city management reiterated its commitment to promoting orderly urban development, enhancing security, managing environmental resources, and improving overall service delivery across all residential areas.

To achieve these goals, a structured and legally recognized framework between the city administration and local residents is considered essential.

The initiative aligns with the Urban Areas and Cities Act of 2011 (as amended in 2019) and the Urban Areas and Cities (General) Regulations of 2022, which mandate citizen participation, inclusivity, accountability, and collaboration between residents and urban authorities.

Under these legal provisions, recognized citizen fora and organized residents’ groups serve as vital platforms for public participation in urban governance.

Mr Wanga noted that a well-organized neighborhood structure forms the backbone of a safe, orderly, and well-planned city, expressing optimism about working alongside resident associations as key partners in advancing sustainable urban management and improving the quality of life for all Kisumu residents.