Vol. 2, Issue 1, Part I (2016)

Abstract
Urban Local Governance and Decentralized local governance has introduced in Ethiopia in 1995 with adoption of the federal constitution. The concept governance calls for the engagement of the private sector and organized civil society to take part in the city affairs. In doing so it calls for strong Public Private Partnership for the betterment of the city governance by establishing and framing laws and policies. Bothe the civil society and the private sector are expected to contribute their roles in the city affairs. However, though there are legal and policy framework for horizontal governance and cooperation much has remain in the City Administration of Mekelle due to lack of commitment, awareness and capacity from all sides involved. This study is conducted in Mekelle city one of the largest city in Ethiopia to assess the roles of PPP in city governance and the relationship with the local government. Applying Mixed Research Methodology, that is using both qualitative and quantitate data, the researcher tries to triangulate the finding from both data. As a result, it is found that though the mechanism for public and private partnership has existing with legal framework, lack of awareness to what is their duties, rights and functions from the government officials, the organized civil society and the private sector is the main problem for engagement. That is the Trade Unions, Women association and Chambers of Commerce does not exactly locate their place in the governance of the city.