The 9th Devolution Conference has begun in earnest, with President William Ruto officiating the opening ceremony. The delegation from Siaya County is led by Governor James Orengo and includes members of the County Executive Committee Members, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), Chief Officers, Chief Executive Officer of the Siaya County Public Service Board, youth, women leaders and key opinion shapers.
Siaya County showcased innovative exhibitors at this second bi-annual conference. Rambo Intercultural Artwork, based in Ukwala, Ugenya Sub-County, promotes fine art, clay modeling, and design using locally sourced materials while operating an arts and culture academy. Their notable works include portraits of President Ruto, ODM Party Leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, and Governor Orengo, as well as a piece commemorating former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s 2021 visit to Siaya, where they shared a fish meal. They also displayed artwork symbolizing the unity between the former Prime Minister and the Head of State, which contributed to the formation of a broad-based government in mid-2024. They also displayed a unique cockerel sculpture, activated by remote control, that mimics the voices of President Ruto, Governor Orengo, and other community leaders.
Another exhibitor highlighted leather processing along the value chain, using fire-drawn designs on goat and cow hides to create functional items such as shoes, belts, bracelets, document wallets, carrier bags, chest guards, and jackets. Jubilate Designs from Siaya employs this art process to reduce waste, promote environmental conservation, decrease airborne and waterborne diseases, enhance security, and create income-generating opportunities, fostering informal employment for Siaya’s youth and residents.
Eco Build Blocks and Bricks, based in Central Sakwa Ward, Bondo Sub-County, showcased interlocking bricks made from detoxified mining waste. These bricks, solidified using specialized machines, enable low-income earners to afford decent housing while supporting environmental conservation by reducing carbon emissions and deforestation. This initiative is 100% eco-friendly and helps mitigate respiratory diseases.
A portable multifunctional solar spray pump was also featured, used to apply chemicals to plants and livestock for pest, insect, and weed control. Powered by solar panels that convert sunlight into energy to charge batteries, this innovation promotes sustainable agriculture.
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) were equally well-represented, with Mrs. Lucy Atieno Ooko showcasing beadwork baskets made from vibrant, locally sourced materials. Prices range from Ksh. 500 for small baskets to Ksh. 3,000 for the largest, with additional items like bangle earrings, necklaces, and plastic baskets priced at Ksh. 200–300.
The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Food Security, and Blue Economy showcased fish products, feed formulations, and extension materials, including documentaries, training manuals, and water quality management kits. The Nyalore administration has allocated funds to support fish farmers with feeds and fingerlings, employed additional technical officers for extension services, and improved fish landing sites and handling facilities to enhance value addition, marketing, and revenue collection from beaches and fish value chain stakeholders.
Siaya also highlighted the success of its early childhood education programs, particularly at Siala Kaduol ECDE. The Nyalore administration has increased enrollment, constructed additional learning rooms, provided fortified porridge, and employed teachers on permanent and pensionable terms to ensure quality education.
The other 46 counties showcased their innovations at the five-day devolved governments’ summit, which has yielded significant gains since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
Today’s theme of “Good Governance,” was emphasized by Nyanza leaders, who praised President Ruto for assenting to the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, 2025, and the County Public Finance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, on the morning of the conference. These laws underscore the National Government’s commitment to mobilizing resources for devolution and improving grassroots service delivery.
Host Governor H.E. Gladys Wanga, speaking on behalf of the region, thanked leaders and participants for bringing economic vibrancy to Homa Bay. She commended President Ruto and Rt. Hon. Odinga for fostering hope and unity through the broad-based government. Partnerships between the National Government and counties like Siaya have driven infrastructure development in the blue economy and maritime sectors, with notable improvements at Usenge, Luanda K’Otieno, Wich Lum, and Asembo Bay beaches. Other projects include the expansion of Siaya County Referral Hospital with modern facilities, the Phase II upgrade of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium (featuring a cantilever, improved VIP pavilion, helipad, extended terraces, and changing rooms), and modern markets in Siaya Town, Obambo in Central Alego, and Riat K’Olemo in West Asembo Ward.
The Council of Governors reported that the 47 counties surpassed their revenue targets by 72% in the last financial year. Murang’a Governor Dr. Irungu Kang’ata presented innovations driving success in his county while Senate Speaker Rt. Hon. Amason Kingi acknowledged counties’ technological advances, improved healthcare, early childhood education, and civic participation. He urged the Senate to enact laws ensuring oversight and development, commended senators for passing the FY 2025/26 revenue allocation, and addressed challenges like corruption and non-compliance by some governors during Senate hearings, emphasizing vigilance for devolution’s success.
Council of Governors Chairman, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, thanked the 47 counties for showcasing impactful innovations for knowledge sharing and economic well-being, welcoming Siaya Governor James Orengo and other governors.
President Ruto highlighted achievements formalized on December 16, 2024, including the gazettement of devolved functions for faster service delivery. He emphasized the conference’s role in accelerating county development, praised digital platforms like e-Citizen for reducing corruption, and noted revenue collection improvements in Mombasa and Kiambu counties. He urged counties to eliminate arbitrary charges for services like medicines, declaring outpatient services free nationwide, and announced the upcoming County Assembly Pensions Scheme, similar to that of MPs. Additionally, he revealed plans for affordable housing at Tom Mboya University College in Homa Bay Town.
The 9th Devolution Conference is a pivotal platform for counties to showcase innovations, share knowledge, and strengthen partnerships with the National Government and development partners. Aligned with the theme “For the People, For Prosperity; Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice,” it reinforces devolution’s role in driving equitable development, fostering inclusion, and promoting social justice. For Siaya, this conference is an opportunity to highlight its transformative achievements under the Nyalore administration, learn from other counties, and reaffirm its commitment to collaborating for sustainable progress, ensuring prosperity and opportunities for all residents.