NCPD Hosts Population and Development Benchmarking and Study Tour for the Government of South Sudan

The National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) through the PPP Directorate last week hosted a high-level benchmarking and study tour for a delegation from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Government of South Sudan.
The visit aimed at deepening collaboration between Kenya and South Sudan on population and development matters, and to share Kenya’s experiences in integrating population issues into national and sub-national planning and budgetary frameworks.
The week-long engagement sought to collate and consolidate best practices and innovations registered by the NCPD over the years, particularly in mainstreaming population dynamics into socio-economic planning. The study tour’s specific objectives were to:
1.Understand and appreciate Kenya’s successful experiences in population planning and management; and
2.Gather evidence of effective practices and exemplary approaches to implement population issues at both national and sub-national levels — thereby advancing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthening healthcare and education systems, enhancing investment frameworks, and fostering sound socio-economic and demographic planning.
The South Sudanese delegation was led by Hon. Majur Babur Agoot, Chairperson of the South Sudan Parliamentary Network for Population and Development (SSPNPD); Hon. Benjamin Ayali Kiyingwa, Undersecretary of Planning; Hon. Simon Lumori Philip, MP and Secretary-General of the SSPNPD; Mr. Chris Agoot, Coordinator and Focal Point for Population and Development; Mr. John Mushomi, Demographic Expert; and Mr. Athuni Chier Mabok from the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
The delegation was officially received by NCPD Board Members accompanied by Director General Dr. Mohamed Sheikh, who underscored the importance of regional cooperation in addressing population and development challenges. Dr. Sheikh reaffirmed NCPD’s commitment to supporting the Government of South Sudan in developing a dedicated Population and Development Agency, leveraging Kenya’s technical expertise and institutional experience.
“Kenya’s achievements in establishing a well-coordinated Population Policy and Programme offer a valuable model for our regional counterparts. NCPD remains committed in advancing partnerships that strengthen population management and sustainable development across East Africa,” said Dr. Sheikh.
Over the years, the Government of Kenya has made remarkable progress in formulating and implementing evidence-based population policies that guide national and county development planning. It is on this foundation that the Government of South Sudan requested a benchmarking visit to study Kenya’s model as it seeks to build institutional capacity for its own Population and Development Unit.
South Sudan, which attained independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011, continues to advance its national development agenda following decades of civil conflict. As a full member of the East African Community (EAC) since 5 September 2016, South Sudan’s participation in this study tour reinforces its commitment to regional integration, economic growth, and governance reforms aligned with EAC and international standards.
The study tour came at a pivotal time as South Sudan prepares for its national population census and general elections scheduled for December 2026, the first since independence. The insights gained from Kenya’s experience are expected to inform the establishment of robust demographic systems and strengthen evidence-based decision-making for sustainable national development.

The visiting South Sudan Government Delegation Poses for a photo with NCPD Board Members during the benchmarking study tour.

The South Sudanese delegation led by Hon. Majur Babur Agoot, Chairperson of the South Sudan Parliamentary Network for Population and Development (SSPNPD) (2nd Left) meeting with the NCPD Director General Dr. Mohamed Sheikh (2nd Right) and NCPD Board member Mr Abdullahi Salat (Extreme right).

South Sudan Government delegation comprising of Hon. Majur Babur Agoot, Chairperson of the South Sudan Parliamentary Network for Population and Development (SSPNPD) accompanied by Hon. Benjamin Ayali Kiyingwa, Undersecretary of Planning; Hon. Simon Lumori Philip, MP and Secretary-General of the SSPNPD; Mr. Chris Agoot, Coordinator and Focal Point for Population and Development; Mr. John Mushomi, Demographic Expert; and Mr. Athuni Chier Mabok from the Ministry of Finance and Planning during the benchmarking and study tour of NCPD.