As the 2025 Devolution Conference nears, the National Steering Committee chairman for Devolution Conference Mutahi Kahiga has urged the public to register early ahead of the much-anticipated event slated for August.
Speaking during a visit to Homa Bay town to inspect key venues, Kahiga, who is also the Governor of Nyeri County, underscored the importance of timely registration, saying the online registration is open until July 31.
He noted that the conference will be all-inclusive and people-centred, and invited members of the public to be part of its activities.
“This is going to be a Devolution Conference about you, and it is about inclusivity, about the government listening to the people,” he said.
The conference which is expected to draw thousands of delegates from across Kenya and abroad, will be hosted in Homa Bay County for the first time.
Governor Kahiga was accompanied by senior government officials including Devolution Principal Secretary Michael Lenasalon, Homa Bay Deputy Governor Joseph Magwanga, Senator Moses Kajwang’ and other members of the national steering committee of the devolution conference.
The committee confirmed that preparations are well underway, with a variety of pre-conference activities scheduled to begin on August 9.
Among the highlights are youth-focused events, which Kahiga emphasized as a key priority, saying, “We have asked every county to register not less than five youths to take part in the pre-conference activities because this time, we want to listen to them.”
PS Lenasalon confirmed that the organizing team was working closely with local technical experts to identify any gaps and ensure everything runs smoothly.
“Our visit here is to prepare the ground. From what we have seen, the county is ready to host the conference,” he said.
Senator Kajwang’ highlighted the far-reaching benefits of hosting the conference in Homa Bay, pointing to its potential economic social, and political impact on the locals.
“This is more than a national affair. It is an international event that will bring opportunities for local businesses, promote tourism and foster stronger relationships with our development partners,” Kajwang’ noted.
He pointed out that the county will also engage partners who support counties through loans, grants and conditional allocations.
“We will also be welcoming our development partners on that day. We want to engage these partners and see how much more we can do together,” he implied.
To showcase the county’s vibrancy and hospitality, a variety of community events will take place before and during the conference. These include sporting activities such as wrestling, the Roan Antelope Marathon, football matches, skating, and many more.
“We want to show the rest of the country and the world that Homa Bay is a welcoming and progressive place,” Kajwang’ added.
He called on Kenyans from all walks of life to show up and take part, saying, “This will be a national affirmation that regardless of your background or political affiliation, you are all welcome here in Homa Bay.”
The Devolution Conference which will be the 13th since its inception, will officially be opened by President William Ruto. Day two will feature a keynote on justice and equity led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, while Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki will lead a discussion on finance matters on the third day.
Homa Bay Deputy Governor Magwanga assured the public of top-notch security and warm hospitality. “We are ready. We want everyone who comes here to leave not just with good memories, but as changed people. Homa Bay will leave a mark,” he said.
By Sitna Omar
