MILGAP was established to advance the mobilization and harnessing of local people’s creativity as a vital component of entrenching the norms of good local governance. There is growing consensus that the quality of the relationship between local government, civil society and the private sector has a significant impact on the reduction of poverty.

The programme was established in 2002the three East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, where large number of emerging initiatives relating to governance and decentralization are taking root and being embraced by the respective governments. This programme supports the role of non-traditional groups in local governance with the collaboration of local authorities. Besides identifying and recognizing innovations in local governance, the programme aims to build on the growing constituency for improved governance and to help local governments, adopt inclusive governance practices and encourage civil society initiatives at the local level

The programme operates along internationally agreed norms on good governance. These include sustainability, decentralization, security, equity, efficiency, accountability, civic engagement, and citizenship. These norms enable stakeholders to better compare different urban contexts which bring together diverse resources, experiences and skills to collectively improve their lives.

Objectives

The overall goal of MILGAP is to contribute to the alleviation of poverty by recognizing, supporting and encouraging innovations in local governance and decentralization in the East African sub-region of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The programme’s objectives are to:

• Recognize outstanding innovations in local governance and decentralization at the national and sub-regional level
• Identify and document innovations in local governance and decentralization
• Build the capacity of local institutions to support and encourage good urban governance and decentralization efforts in their countries
• Facilitate networking, dissemination of information and exchange of ideas on innovative and effective projects in local governance and decentralization
• Encourage replication of innovations
• Identify areas in which various projects and programmes can be supported by national institutions
• Promote implementation of projects with community participation

Outputs of the programme

• A database on 'innovative practices in local governance' to encourage replication
• Capacity building for institutions involved in implementing the national awards programme through training and project-to-project exchange
• Dissemination of information to updates and strengthen training and research programmes in urban poverty alleviation and urban governance in national institutions
• Development tools and guidelines for local authorities and civil society organizations aimed at improving local governance and accelerating decentralization
• Contribution to the Global Campaign on Good Urban Governance and other relevant global discussions and to an increased momentum of local government reforms
• Enhanced network of stakeholders on governance and forum for the exchange of good governance experiences
• Strengthened visibility and advocacy for decentralization and good local governance through media, information kits and publications
• Institutionalizing principles of good governance in key national organizations

The sub-regional awards programme brings together projects from the three countries, creating a wider forum for networking, linkages and information sharing.