Nairobi: The Council of Governors (CoG) will host the 2025 devolution conference in Homa Bay County, a resolution made during a meeting held at their office in Nairobi.
According to Kenya News Agency, Nyeri County Governor Mutati Kahiga, who is also the Vice Chairperson of CoG, stated that the devolution family has announced the commencement of planning for the Devolution Conference 2025. This event is recognized as a key platform for showcasing devolution in Kenya under the theme ‘For People, For Prosperity’. The conference aims to facilitate knowledge sharing to enhance the implementation of devolution across the country. A multi-agency steering committee, including members from the CoG and the Executive Office of the Deputy President, will guide the planning process.
Dr. Kahiga emphasized that devolution serves as a catalyst for equity, inclusion, and social justice. The conference will focus on reengineering County Governments to accelerate development and close the socioeconomic gap. Scheduled to take place in Homa Bay County from August 12 to 15, 2025, the event will integrate international standards in its structure and discussions.
The steering committee has planned to include partner-led side events to ensure the conference meets international standards. A scientific committee will be formed to vet proposals from partners and interested parties, with registration for delegates expected to be fully digital. Additionally, a state-of-the-art website and mobile application are being developed to enhance the delegate experience, with logistics readily available to participants. The conference website will be launched alongside the commencement of registration in March 2025.
Homa Bay County will offer cultural and tourism activities for delegates, which will be available on the devolution’s website. Kahiga assured that this year’s conference will provide an opportunity to learn, network, and forge partnerships that will advance the devolution discourse in Kenya.
Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika reiterated the commitment of the State Department for Devolution, Office of the Deputy President, to work collaboratively to ensure the success of the Devolution Conference 2025. She emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach between national and county governments, urging global partners, civil society, and all Kenyans to participate.
Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga welcomed various stakeholders to the county for the conference, highlighting it as a platform for equity, social justice, and inclusion. She expressed hope for active engagement from young people, women, and persons with disabilities and emphasized the opportunity to showcase Homa Bay’s beauty and tourism potential.
Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma commended the steering committee for selecting a topic aligned with current social media discussions, focusing on equity and inclusion. She encouraged interested parties to explore opportunities in Homa Bay County and invited feedback on governance and collaborative efforts between counties and the national government to achieve greater equity and inclusion in development.
