More than 10,000 guests are expected to attend the 8th Devolution Conference in Eldoret scheduled for August.

The theme of the conference is: “10 years of devolution: The present and the future.”

Governors are set to focus on the last 10 years of devolution and explore locally and internationally recognised methods to help strengthen systems and ensure transformed service delivery.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii said the conference will present an ideal opportunity for counties under the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) bloc to show case itself as potential investment hub in tourism, sports and agriculture among others.

“We are privileged as a county to host the 8th Annual Devolution Conference, this means we are expecting guests from across the country in our town and welcome them as we have enough accommodation facilities,” Bii said.

Conference will bring together local and international delegates to discuss, learn and share best practices on pertinent issues affecting sub-national governments and provide trade and investment opportunities for communities in Uasin Gishu and the neighbouring counties, according to Council of Governors (CoG) Chair Anne Waiguru.

The conference will adopt a break-away session format.

“Proposed sessions include urban development, affirmative action, natural resources management, health, agriculture and trade,” COG said in a statement.

Fully implement

Governors adopted the decision in 2021 and was to be implemented last year.

According to the county chiefs, the changes were to allow governors fully implement resolutions settled on during the seminars.

In relation to the conference’s sub-theme; Driving transformation from the local level; Uasin Gishu has organised various sports activities which will be held on August 15.

“We have organised various sports activities which will take place at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium and are set to promote local talent from the grassroots,” Bii added.

According to the governor, the devolution conference which will be from 16-19 August will also prove Eldoret readiness to the elevated into a city.