On the Second Day of the 9th Devolution Conference, Governor James Orengo delivered a bold and concise address on the day’s theme: Protectors of Human Rights and Social Justice. He guided participants through the struggles for democracy, human rights, and social justice, drawing on his extensive experience.
A seasoned Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Governor Orengo has served six terms as a Member of Parliament, with roles in both the National Assembly and the Senate. In 2008, he was appointed Minister for Lands in the Grand Coalition Government.
In his illustrious legal career, Gov. Orengo has won several landmark cases, most notably serving as lead counsel in the Presidential Election Petition No. 1 of 2017, which successfully invalidated that year’s presidential election.
First Lady Betty Orengo also delivered a keynote address at the plenary session, themed “Investing in the Future: Promoting Nurturing Care for Early Childhood Development.” As the leader of Smart Start Siaya, Mrs. Orengo champions empowering caregivers through parenting education, emphasizing play and quality time between caregivers and children to help them thrive and reach their full developmental potential.
The initiative also provides empowerment and psychosocial support for adolescent mothers. In partnership with KMET, the County Government of Siaya has supported the establishment of a sexual and gender-based violence center in Yala. Through these efforts, the County Government of Siaya has operationalized the ECDE School Feeding Program, targeting more than 50,000 learners in over 600 public Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centers in the county.
The panel discussion featured notable figures, including Ms. Charlene Ruto, Bishop Prof. Godia from ACK Maseno South Diocese, Mr. Victor Gaya, CEO of the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), Dr. Monica Ogutu, CEO of Kisumu Medical and Education Trust (KMET), and others. Dr. Ogutu highlighted the need to address the five leading causes of maternal mortality: unsafe abortion, sepsis, hemorrhage (excessive bleeding), obstructed labor, and eclampsia.
Founded in 1995 as a local NGO in Western Kenya, KMET has been a key advocate for reproductive, maternal, and child health services. The organization has played a critical role in reducing maternal mortality rates and promoting nurturing care for early childhood development across the Lake Region Economic Bloc.