As Kenya prepares for the 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, Dagoreti North MP Beatrice Elachi has called for governance that truly prioritises the people, emphasising the need to evaluate whether devolution has delivered on its promises.

She said that the upcoming conference presents an opportunity for leaders and stakeholders to assess progress, share lessons from successful models, and advocate for policies that genuinely benefit local communities.

“Devolution was established to enhance governance by bringing it closer to the people and empowering citizens in resource allocation,” Elachi stated in a statement posted on her official Facebook account on Tuesday, August 13, 2023.

The Homa Bay Devolution Conference, scheduled to run for three days, will bring together governors, county assembly speakers, civic leaders, and development experts from across the country. Its focus will include reviewing the achievements of devolution, identifying gaps in service delivery, and exploring strategies for stronger citizen participation in decision-making processes.

Elachi praised Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga for her leadership and meticulous organisation of the conference.

“Great work by Governor Wanga and the team in ensuring this conference is well-prepared. It is a critical platform to reshape our discussions on governance and development,” she stated.

The timing of this year’s devolution conference is crucial as counties prepare to review budgets and development plans ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Residents in Homa Bay also hope the event will go beyond discussions and translate into tangible benefits.

Elachi urged all participants to focus on long-term solutions that address structural challenges in governance and resource allocation. She stressed that learning from successful county models, implementing impactful policies, and ensuring accountability should be at the heart of every conversation during the conference.

As the country looks to strengthen devolution, the Homa Bay conference is expected to set the tone for people-centred governance, encouraging leaders to prioritise citizen needs while fostering collaboration across counties.

With meticulous planning and a clear agenda, stakeholders hope the conference will leave a lasting mark on Kenya’s governance landscape, reinforcing the promise that devolution was intended to fulfil: empowering citizens and improving service delivery at the local level.