Hailed as a champion of human rights, social justice, good governance, and democratic ideals, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga took the stage on the second day of the 2025 Devolution Conference to discuss the principles of good governance and democracy.
Key speakers included Kilifi Senator and Retired Justice Stewart Madzayo, who praised Rt. Hon. Odinga as a steadfast advocate for devolution and good governance, as envisioned in the 2010 Constitution, which established Kenya’s 47 autonomous county governments.
Professor Margaret Kamar echoed the sentiments of many participants, highlighting the former Prime Minister’s pivotal role in securing the democratic space Kenya enjoys today.
Speakers also commended President William Ruto’s firm stance in the fight against corruption within state institutions, which continues to impede effective service delivery, including in county governments.
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale congratulated Homa Bay County for its warm hospitality and thanked Rt. Hon. Odinga for his tireless efforts in advancing social justice and equity in Kenya.
Duale outlined key achievements in the healthcare sector, including improved access to skilled care, universal healthcare, and facility upgrades for better healthcare management.
He highlighted reforms in immunization access and cancer prevention through enhanced facilities, emphasizing affordable and accessible healthcare for all as a cornerstone of social justice.
Duale acknowledged Odinga’s contributions to devolution during negotiations in Naivasha and Mombasa, noting that devolution and the entrenchment of the Kadhis Court were among the key outcomes of those discussions.
The former Majority Leader also thanked Odinga for advocating for the Bill of Rights in the Constitution.
Host Governor Gladys Wanga congratulated all leaders for making the second bi-annual Devolution Conference a success. She expressed gratitude to private sector partners and development organizations for their contributions to the four-day summit, which has brought significant economic benefits to the region.
Rt. Hon. Odinga echoed the sentiments of other leaders and urged legislators to collaborate on legislation, oversight, and representation to promote prosperity. He called for laws with robust checks and balances to ensure good governance and meaningful progress in devolution.
Wajir Governor and Council of Governors Chairman Hon. FCPA Ahmed Abdullahi introduced the attending governors and acknowledged the successes of county governments while noting persistent challenges. He raised concerns about the duplication of oversight by the Senate and questioned why, despite no Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) or Members of Parliament (MPs) being recalled, over eight governors and one Deputy President have faced impeachment.
Siaya County showcased eleven innovative exhibitors at this year’s Devolution Conference.
The Siaya Bondo Water and Sanitation Company (SIBOWASCO) demonstrated modern meter-reading technology using the Go-Soft platform to collect analytical data on water pressure, system malfunctions, and flow fluctuations. The system includes enabled and non-enabled meter valves to shut off water supply for non-paying users and a UFM meter to ensure accurate water measurement. A map displayed the water distribution system for Siaya, Bondo, Yala, and Ugenya.
The Siaya County delegation was led by Governor James Orengo.