Homa Bay Gears Up to Host Madaraka Day and 2025 Devolution Conference
Governor Wanga assured that Homa Bay is ready to welcome the conference delegates, encouraging the business community to deliver quality goods and services.
Homa Bay gears up for Madaraka Day and 2025 Devolution Conference, with PS Omollo and Governor Wanga confident of economic gains and development progress. Photo/The Star Kenya.
By Juliet Jerotich
Homa Bay County is preparing to host two major national events — the 2025 Devolution Conference and the upcoming Madaraka Day celebrations, both expected to boost the local economy and spotlight the region’s development progress.
The newly renovated Raila Odinga Stadium will be the centre stage for the Madaraka Day celebrations set for May 15.
The stadium, which has been under rehabilitation for the past two months under the supervision of the national government, is nearing completion and will be ready to host more than 10,000 guests.
According to Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who led an inspection tour of the facility, the stadium will also be ready in time for Labour Day celebrations.
PS Omollo noted that the contractor is currently finalizing work on a new pavilion, adding modern features to the stadium. He urged local business owners to take advantage of the influx of visitors during these events to grow their enterprises and maximize profits.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who accompanied Omollo during the inspection, expressed optimism that the national celebrations would also address long-standing issues affecting the local fishing community along Lake Victoria.
She highlighted the insecurity faced by fishermen and emphasized that efforts are underway to improve safety and resource management in the lake, which would reduce accidents and boost the fishing industry.
Governor Wanga also stressed that the ongoing infrastructure projects tied to the celebrations will bring long-term economic benefits, improving businesses and creating new opportunities for the county’s residents.
In addition to Madaraka Day, Homa Bay is set to host the 2025 Devolution Conference, organized by the Council of Governors (CoG). The event is expected to attract national leaders, policymakers, and business players.
CoG officials have already met with local bodaboda riders, hoteliers, and traders in informal sectors, cautioning against the exploitation of visitors through excessive pricing.
Governor Mutahi Kahiga, chairperson of the conference’s steering committee, underscored that the 9th Devolution Conference will focus on strengthening devolution from a socio-economic perspective and open up more business opportunities for locals.
Governor Wanga assured that Homa Bay is ready to welcome the conference delegates, encouraging the business community to deliver quality goods and services. She also called on residents to maintain peace and harmony as they prepare to host visitors from across the country.
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