President William Ruto officially opened the second Homa Bay International Investment Conference (HOBIIC) at the Tom Mboya University Grounds today, marking a momentous occasion for the county.

The president, making his fifth trip to the county since becoming head of state, was received by his host Governor Gladys Wanga before making a quick tour of the County Government and Kenya Ship Yard booths then proceeded to a rapturous reception at the conference. 

In his remarks, the Head of State stated that the conference presents a chance to discuss how to commute potential to opportunities and to investments adding that devolution is envisaged to be a mechanism for achieving rapid growth at the grassroots. 

He also commended Governor Wanga for her proactive leadership, taking the chance to implore the investors to consider Homa Bay as a premier investment destination, guaranteeing them that it would make them create jobs, grow wealth as well as expand their enterprises.

Additionally,  the President presided over the official launch of Riwa City Special Economic Zone where he awarded the county government of Homa Bay an operational licence to the SEZ, making Homa Bay County become one of only three counties to fully own an SEZ. Victory Farms was given the licence to become the anchor investor at the Zone.

Governor Wanga expressed her gratitude to the President, saying that the intergovernmental relationship they have has been a mainstay in her leading from the front to make Homa Bay competitive among the league of other nations.

The Conference runs through Thursday and is a platform for Homa Bay to showcase its bankable investment opportunities, emphasising cotton, fish, edible oils and tourism value chains.