Eldoret was abuzz with energy as Homa Bay County prominently featured at the recent three-day bi-annual devolution conference 2023.
Governor Gladys Wanga led the charge, organizing a remarkable display showcasing the county's progressive vision under her leadership at the Homa Bay exhibition pavilion. The exhibition garnered attention from influential figures, highlighting Homa Bay's commitment to innovation and growth.
The head of state's visit to the Homa Bay exhibition booth on day two marked a pivotal moment. The county's aspiration to establish special economic zones gained valuable support.
"We are on a path of transformation, creating opportunities for economic growth," Governor Wanga emphasized.
Distinguished guests like US Ambassador H.E Meg Whitman and Danish Ambassador H.E Ole Thonke acknowledged Homa Bay's pursuit of excellence, when they paid a visit to the county’s pavilion.
The dignitaries witnessed a virtual presentation of the "County of Endless Potential," reinforcing the county's unique standing and its tourism potential.
Governor Gladys Wanga's dedication to public involvement in governance was underscored during the awards gala that evening. An organization operating in Homa Bay named the Intergrated Development Facility; Kenya (IDF) clinched the Ndovu Category award for exceptional public participation.
"Inclusion is our strength; our community is at the core of our decisions," Governor Wanga affirmed.
“Homa Bay is the first county that has successfully adopted the people-centered public participation model, which previously succeeded in Makueni County,” said Mr. Japheth Ojijo, the Project Manager IDF Kenya.
“Our partnership with Homa Bay County ensured the model was put into the local context within the community that drove the formulation of the CIDP and ADP to ensure people were able to air out their grievances, identify, prioritize and budget their projects,” Ojijo added.
Day two was equally significant. The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga visited the county's booth, where Homa Bay's development plans were showcased. Mombasa Governor H.E Abdulswamad Nassir, Machakos Governor H.E Wavinya Ndeti, Kirinyaga Governor H.E Anne Waiguru, and Homa Bay County Senator Hon. Moses Kajwang' also explored the county’s pavilion, which highlighted the county's visionary strategies.
Governor Wanga's influence extended to a breakaway session focusing on healthcare technology. As vice-chairperson of the governor's health committee, she pledged to integrate technology into healthcare systems. The commitment aims to uplift healthcare across counties.
At the heart of our Governor's engagement on the final day was the affirmative action agenda. She advocated for its effective implementation to empower women, youth, and vulnerable populations. Plans include funds allocation, climate change actions emphasizing women's roles, and a governor's mentorship camp.
In our exhibition, we prominently showcased various agricultural value-chains that hold significant promise, including cotton, groundnuts, sun flower, sweet potatoes, sugar cane, and several others.
The County's remarkable participation at the Devolution Conference underscored our dedication to growth, inclusivity, and innovative strategies, firmly positioning the county as key among leaders in Kenya's devolution journey.
