Homa Bay County is playing host to the 9th Devolution Conference, a landmark gathering aimed at assessing and strengthening Kenya’s devolved governance system. With the theme “For The People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice”, the event has drawn at least 10,000 delegates from across the country and abroad.
According to the Council of Governors (CoG), this year’s conference seeks to evaluate the role of devolution in promoting fairness, inclusion, and equitable development. The forum will provide an exploratory platform for consultations, dialogue, and sharing of best practices on how county governments can accelerate socio-economic progress and narrow the development gap across regions.
A major focus of the discussions will be on designing devolved governance structures that not only deliver essential services efficiently but also address systemic inequalities. Delegates will explore ways to ensure fair allocation of resources, with special emphasis on improving access to financial opportunities for marginalized communities.
The conference also offers a unique opportunity to highlight the transformative potential of counties as engines of economic growth. Deliberations will touch on strategies for counties to become centres of excellence in service delivery, fostering innovation and sustainable development.
In addition to policy discussions, the event features a vibrant exhibition space, with at least 500 exhibitors drawn from county governments, national government agencies, and private sector partners. The exhibitions will showcase successful county projects, technological innovations, and collaborative initiatives that have improved livelihoods.
Social justice will also take centre stage, with sessions dedicated to examining how equitable resource distribution can drive inclusive economic growth. Delegates are expected to tackle sensitive but vital issues such as resource mismanagement, governance gaps, and corruption, while promoting accountability and transparency in county operations.
The conference will run until Friday, with outcomes expected to inform future policy and planning frameworks. By the end of the week, counties hope to emerge with actionable plans to not only strengthen devolution but also ensure that it remains a true catalyst for prosperity and social justice for all Kenyans.
