Following the just concluded Devolution Conference held from 15th to 19th August 2023 in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, the Council of Governors (CoG) held a thanksgiving dinner for the Devolution Conference Steering Committee and Uasin Gishu County on Friday, 2nd September 2023 in Nairobi.
In attendance were H.E Ahmed Abdullahi Vice Chair, CoG & Chair of the Devolution Conference Steering Committee, H.E Eng. John Kibet Barorot, Deputy Governor, Uasin Gishu and Chairperson of the County Planning Committee, Senator Catherine Muma, Mr. Tom Odero Regional Police Commander, Rift Valley Region, Hon. Philemon Sabulei Chairperson, County Assemblies Forum, Ms. Mary Mwiti CoG CEO and the CoG secretariat.
“The preparation for this year’s Conference was spearheaded by a Steering Committee and a Planning Committee. The Conference stands as a true testament of the great heights we can achieve when we work together. I would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to all of you and the Planning team, led by Ms. Mary Mwiti for their dedication in making this conference successful. You are our unsung heroes and heroines,” said Governor Ahmed Abdullahi.
CEO Ms. Mary Mwiti on her part noted that extensive planning, team work and sacrifice had gone a long way in ensuring the fruition of the Conference.
“This journey was not without challenges. On 19th March 2023, some staff members got into a road accident as they were travelling to Uasin Gishu County for a recce visit. Thankfully, all of them survived albeit with injuries and remained undeterred in undertaking their duties in the planning and execution of the Conference. Today, we celebrate you,” noted the CEO.
She further thanked the Devolution Conference Steering Committee for their guidance and support in the entire process adding that the dinner had come just a day after a close out meeting with the overall Planning Committee.
“The meeting provided an opportunity for us to celebrate the successes of the Conference, receive feedback on what worked and possible areas of improvement and deliberate on the implementation matrix for the 32-point communique arising from the Conference,” she continued highlighting that working through sector streams had proven to be quiet effective.
Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor thanked the Council of Governors for choosing Eldoret to host this year’s devolution conference and appreciated the County Planning Committee for their commitment in ensuring that the region was ready to host the Conference.
“The infrastructural upgrades and development initiatives undertaken have undoubtedly left an indelible mark in our County. I am optimistic that Uasin Gishu will soon be declared Kenya’s fifth city even as we continue to work towards ensuring efficient and quality service delivery to our people,” noted Eng. Barorot.
Making her remarks Senator Catherine Muma who represented the Speaker of the Senate, underscored the need to focus on the legislative agenda and review the legislations and policies that continue to claw back on devolution.
“As the primary implementers of devolved governance, County Governments and particularly County Assemblies, should be at the fore front in driving the legislative reforms conversation. Further, there is need for strengthened relations and collaboration between all actors in the devolution space including both tiers of government and the Senate to ensure the realization of the promise of devolution for all Kenyans,” added Senator Muma.
The end of the Devolution Conference 2023 marks yet another remarkable milestone in the quest for attaining the objects of devolution as envisaged in the Constitution. As we forge on into the next decade of devolution, let us all strive to become advocates for devolution.