Homa Bay, Kenya| In a vibrant celebration of Kenya’s transformative journey toward decentralized governance, President William Ruto officially opened the 9th Devolution Conference 2025 in Homa Bay County, drawing an impressive gathering of over 12,500 delegates from all 47 counties.
The event, held under the theme “For People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice,” underscored the pivotal role of devolution in fostering equitable resource distribution, enhancing service delivery, and promoting inclusivity across the nation.
A Milestone Moment for Devolution
The conference, hosted at the newly inaugurated Homa Bay County Government Headquarters, marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s devolution journey.
President Ruto, joined by distinguished leaders including Council of Governors Chairperson and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, hailed devolution as a cornerstone of Kenya’s development.
The event also saw the participation of national and county leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders united in their commitment to advancing Kenya’s devolution agenda.
In his keynote address, President Ruto celebrated the remarkable strides made since the inception of devolution in 2013.
“In just 12 years, we have transferred KSh4 trillion to counties, fostering inclusivity through fair resource distribution and addressing marginalization,” he declared.
He emphasized obligatory emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening devolution, noting an increase of nearly KSh30 billion in the equitable share to counties, timely disbursements, and the clearance of all outstanding balances owed to counties.
Transformative Initiatives and Infrastructure Development
The President highlighted several initiatives aimed at unlocking the full potential of devolution.
These include the delineation and gazetting of 14 outstanding devolved functions, the transfer of county assets, and the enactment of supportive legislation.
Additionally, the government is supporting counties in digitizing their operations to enhance efficiency and curb resource wastage.
A key highlight of the event was the official opening of the Homa Bay County Government Headquarters, a world-class facility delivered through an innovative partnership led by Governor Gladys Wanga.
President Ruto praised the initiative as a testament to the county’s commitment to effective and efficient service delivery for its citizens.
The President also officiated the opening of the Ugatuzi Amphitheatre, a stunning new venue within the serene Homa Bay County Arboretum.
Described as an iconic monument by the Council of Governors and the Devolution Conference 2025 Planning Committee, the amphitheater is designed to serve as a hub for public participation, meditation, and reflection, leaving a lasting legacy in Homa Bay.
Empowering Education and Job Creation
Further solidifying the government’s commitment to transformative development, President Ruto broke ground for the construction of the Tom Mboya University Students’ Village in Homa Bay.
This 588-unit hostel, capable of accommodating over 2,000 students, is the first student accommodation project under the national Housing Programme.
The initiative is expected to generate over 1,500 jobs and create a secure, accessible environment to enhance academic performance.
Nationwide, the government is building student accommodations with a capacity for over 170,000 students, a move aimed at fostering conducive learning environments across Kenya.
“These projects are not just about infrastructure; they are about creating opportunities and empowering our youth to thrive,” President Ruto stated.
Devolution’s Impact on Healthcare and Grassroots Development
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Chairperson of the Council of Governors, highlighted the profound impact of devolution on Kenya’s healthcare system.
He noted that the county health workforce has quadrupled since 2013, with the number of doctors rising from 874 to 4,651 and nurses increasing to 34,220. Additionally, over 107,000 Community Health Promoters are now serving at the grassroots level.
“Since 2013, skilled birth deliveries have risen from 61% to 82%, and health facilities have grown from 8,466 to 14,710 — a testament to devolution’s impact on healthcare,” Governor Abdullahi remarked.
These achievements reflect the tangible benefits of devolution in bringing critical services closer to the people.
A Vision for a Thriving Kenya
The 9th Devolution Conference served as a platform to reflect on the progress of devolution and chart the path forward. President Ruto emphasized that counties are critical drivers of both national and local growth.
“The #DevolutionConference2025 is a moment to take stock, celebrate gains, and reimagine how we can accelerate the progress of every county and every Kenyan,” he said. “The theme of this year’s conference speaks directly to our national vision — a Kenya where every citizen has a fair and equal opportunity to thrive.”
The Council of Governors echoed this sentiment, describing devolution as “Kenya’s best gift to itself — a bold step to bring services, decision-making, and development closer to the people.”
They emphasized that devolution represents the truest form of bottom-up transformation, empowering communities and driving inclusive growth.
A Legacy of Progress and Unity
The 9th Devolution Conference 2025 in Homa Bay was more than an event; it was a powerful affirmation of Kenya’s commitment to equitable development and social justice.
From the opening of state-of-the-art facilities to the groundbreaking of transformative projects, the conference showcased the tangible benefits of devolution and set the stage for even greater achievements.
As President Ruto and other leaders reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening devolution, the message was clear: Kenya’s counties are not just administrative units but vibrant hubs of innovation, opportunity, and progress.
With continued investment, collaboration, and a shared vision, devolution will remain a catalyst for a prosperous, inclusive, and equitable Kenya.
For more updates on the Devolution Conference 2025 and Kenya’s development journey, stay tuned to ICBNews.
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