Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has hailed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s message and President William Ruto’s warm presence during the 9th Devolution Conference (DevCon2025) in Homa Bay County last week.

Wanga showed appreciation to the two political bigwigs in the country after hosting the particular event that brought together leaders, development partners, and over 12,000 delegates from across Kenya and beyond at the Homa Bay School in Homa Bay Town, that ran under the theme “For the People; For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice.”

Governor Wanga expressed deep gratitude to President Ruto, who officially opened the conference and reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to devolution.

The Head of State also inaugurated the Homa Bay County Headquarters, the Ugatuzi Amphitheatre and laid the foundation stone for the Tom Mboya University Students Village.

Recognising top leaders

Special recognition was extended to Raila, described as the “father of devolution,” for his inspiring message on strengthening county governance and financing. Raila talked tough while backing the channeling of more resources to counties.

The former prime minister also proposed that governors should not be summoned by senators, drawing mixed reactions from the lawmakers.

The governor also thanked Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who closed the conference as the Chair of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, alongside several Cabinet Secretaries, including Adan Duale, John Mbadi, Rebecca Miano, and Opiyo Wandayi, for their participation.

Wanga further appreciated the Council of Governors, led by Chair Ahmed Abdullahi and Vice Chair Dr. Mutahi Kahiga, for entrusting Homa Bay with hosting duties, which she described as “historic.”

The governor also commended the Senate, under Speaker Amason Kingi, Members of Parliament led by Team Homa Bay, the County Assemblies Forum, and development partners whose investments and partnerships made the gathering impactful.

The DevCon2025 Steering Committee, led by the COG Vice Chair, CEO Mary Mwiti, and Homa Bay County teams, were also praised for their tireless work in delivering a memorable event. Governor Wanga saluted civil society, academia, exhibitors, media, security agencies, and medical teams for their contributions.

“With over 12,000 delegates gracing this event, Homa Bay has truly showcased its potential as a hub of innovation, culture, and adventure,” Governor Wanga said, adding that the county had lived up to its slogan as “The County of Endless Potential.” Governor Wanga said in a statement on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Looking ahead to the 10th DevCon Conference, the governor emphasised the need to translate the commitments of DevCon2025 into “tangible actions that improve service delivery, development, change, and transformation in all 47 counties.”