The Kumba I Sub Divisional Council was established as part of the decentralization drive initiated by the Government of Cameroon to bring governance closer to the people. Rooted in the reforms of the 1996 Constitution and propelled by Law No. 2004/017 of 22 July 2004 on the Orientation of Decentralization, the council was carved out to better serve the administrative and developmental needs of the Kumba urban population.

Historically, the city of Kumba was administered under a single Urban Council that struggled to efficiently manage its growing population and infrastructural demands. Recognizing the need for more localized governance, the state undertook an administrative division of the municipality into three sub councils: Kumba I, Kumba II, and Kumba III. This restructuring aimed to improve service delivery, citizen participation, and community-driven development.

Kumba I Sub Divisional Council officially came into existence in the early 2000s and was strategically located at the heart of Meme Division, with its headquarters in Kumba Town. As the administrative nucleus of Meme, the council was tasked with overseeing governance, local development, and service provision in key neighborhoods such as Fiango, Kumba Town, Barombi Mbo, Kosala, Three Corners, and beyond.

Since its creation, the council has operated under the guiding principles of transparency, inclusion, and sustainable development. From its first mayoral leadership to the current administration, the Kumba I Council has continued to evolve—balancing tradition and modernity, addressing the needs of its vibrant communities, and maintaining its position as the heartbeat of Meme Division.

With a clear mandate and a deep connection to its people, the Kumba I Sub Divisional Council stands today as a beacon of local governance and a catalyst for transformative change.