This week, governance stakeholders turn their attention to Homa Bay County, for the 2025 Devolution Conference. The country’s premier governance forum brings together thought leaders, policymakers, practitioners, development partners, private sector, academia and mwananchi to engage in meaningful discussions on devolution in Kenya and chart a way forward.

The lakeside county of Homa Bay is hosting this year’s edition of the biennial event that is organised by the Council of Governors (CoG), together with various State and non-State actors.

Starting from Tuesday, August 12 to Friday, August 15, 2025, the stakeholders will gather to mark a significant milestone in Kenya’s devolution journey, and provide a platform for sharing experiences, best practices, and innovations in devolved governance.

The theme for the 9th Devolution Conference is: “For the People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice.” The theme, CoG says, is meant to remind the nation that devolution is not just a system of governance but an opportunity to offer equitable and inclusive service delivery for all citizens.

CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi says this year’s conference is one with a difference.

“Prepare to immerse yourself in thought-provoking plenary sessions, partner-driven dynamic side-events, and interactive exhibitions showcasing groundbreaking innovations in governance and service delivery,” Abdullahi, who is also the Wajir County Governor, said. “Of importance, the Conference offers an exceptional opportunity for delegates to network with key stakeholders; exchange best practices, and contribute to policy recommendations that will shape the next phase of Devolution.”

Some of the exhibition booths that are coming up at the 9th Devolution Conference

The CoG is also calling upon Kenyans to actively engage in the discourses, challenge ideas, and inspire bold solutions that will shape Kenya’s devolution journey and close the socio-economic divide among us.

Set-ups for breakaway sessions

2025 Devolution Conference programme

The keynote speakers of the 2025 Devolution Conference speakers include President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Governor Abdullahi.

To get the full programme of the conference, click here>>>https://devolutionconference.cog.go.ke/documents/DEVOLUTION_CONFERENCE_2025_PROGRAMME_FINAL.pdf

Did you know that the Devolution Conference 2025 is a plastic free zone? The CoG wants you to take note of that.

The journey of Devolution Conference

The CoG, in collaboration with partners, has hosted eight (8) Devolution Conferences so far in various parts of the country.

Attracting domestic and international delegates, the conference has been known to shape devolution’s policy and legislative environment through the Joint Communique that is generated at the end of each event.

The plenums, breakaway sessions and exhibition booths facilitate deep reflections and conversations on the milestones, challenges and opportunities experienced in implementing the devolved system of the governance.