The Council of Governors (CoG) in collaboration with its partners, is ready to host the Devolution Conference 2023 scheduled to take place from 15th – 19th August 2023, in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. The theme of the Conference is: 10 Years of Devolution: The Present and the Future and Sub-theme: Driving Transformation from the local level: County governments as the Centre of economic development.

The Devolution Conference 2023 Steering Committee led by the CoG Vice Chair, H.E Ahmed Abdullahi on 28th July 2023 held a meeting to evaluate the state of preparedness of Uasin Gishu County to host the upcoming Conference. In attendance was the Host Governor H.E Jonathan Bii and his Deputy H.E Eng. John Barorot, PS State Department of Devolution Teresia Mbwika, Host Senator Hon. Jackson Mandago who is the pioneer governor and served for two consecutive terms, the County Assemblies Forum and the Uasin Gishu Business Community.

Addressing the press after presiding over the meeting, CoG Vice Chair noted that significant progress had been made in readiness for the historic event and the report submitted indicates that the infrastructural development is almost complete.

“I want to thank everyone who was involved for their commitment and the work they have put in and in particular, our host governor and his team. They have done a great job in preparation for the conference,” he added, highlighting that the Conference would bring together approximately 10,000 local and international delegates.

Uasin Gishu Governor H.E Jonathan Bii on his part further noted that the Conference would offer numerous opportunities, especially for the business community, the people of Uasin Gishu and the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) counties.

The office of the Deputy President and the National Government reiterated their commitment to support the host County Government.

“Multiple departments of the National Government are on the ground to ensure work is done across different sectors for the success of this important conference,” said PS Mbaika emphasizing the need for consultation and cooperation by both levels of Government to guarantee the success of the event.

The County Assembly Forum, which is also a member of the steering committee has prepared its members who represent wards in the Counties to attend the 4-day conference. This year’s Conference will offer an opportunity for Counties to share experiences of devolution for the last 10 years of its execution, look into the successes and challenges and find ways to deepen and grow devolution.

In addition, it will feature riveting discussions on matters devolved governance, exhibitions and displays of innovations across various sectors among others. A communique arising from

the just concluded Children’s Devolution Conference 2023, will be read out to all stakeholders including delegates and decision makers, during the Official opening of the August Conference.

The Council of Governors welcomes all invited guests and delegates to the Devolution Conference 2023.

See you there!