Homa Bay Conference Concludes with Focus on Financial Equity and Inclusion

By Brian Ochieng Akoko, Reporter | Nakuru City – Kenya.

HOMA BAY – The 9th Devolution Conference, a three-day crucible of policy, dialogue, and collaboration, concluded today in Homa Bay County.

A resounding call to action, secured its place as a potential turning point in Kenya’s devolution journey. Under the final day’s theme of “Financing Equity and Inclusion,” the conference transcended theoretical discourse.

It led to culminating in the adoption of a joint communiquè. In turn, it poised to serve as a legislative and administrative blueprint. A medium for addressing the systemic socio-economic divides that persist across the nation.

The gathering, brought together policymakers, elected officials, development partners, and citizens. The conference was officially closed by His Excellency, Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki.

Prof. Kithure underscored the national government’s commitment to strengthening the devolved units. The final day’s proceedings was a master class in pragmatic governance.

It was pivoted from the previous days’ focus on Good Governance and Human Rights. It came to a conclusion of the fundamental issue of financial empowerment.

The consensus was clear. The promises of devolution cannot be fully realized without significant attributes. A fair, transparent, and equitable mechanism for resource allocation.

Plenary sessions and breakaway groups delved into the dual challenges of funding public services. It also dwelled on promoting private sector growth at the grassroots level.

A central tenet of the day’s discussions was about the recognition of robust and accessible financial systems. The aspirations of inclusion and social justice still remain elusive. Particularly for marginalized communities, women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

A Roadmap to Prosperity

The highlight of the closing ceremony was the presentation of the joint communiqué. The document that formalized the resolutions of the conference.

It is a product of intensive deliberation across the three thematic days. It marked a significant shift from mere conversation to tangible, actionable commitments.

The communiqué Resolutions

• Review of the Revenue Sharing Formula: Delegates unanimously called for a re-evaluation of the current revenue allocation formula. It ensures that it more accurately reflects the diverse needs, and population densities of individual counties.
• Strengthening Own-Source Revenue (OSR): A major pillar of the communiqué was the resolve to empower county governments. They are to enhance their own-source revenue collection. Recommendations included; implementing modern, tech-driven revenue management systems.
• Establishing the Devolution Institute: The conference formally endorsed the establishment of the Council of Governors Devolution Institute (COG-DI). This institute is envisioned as a center of excellence for training, research, and policy development.
• The Model School Feeding Policy: The conference also endorsed a Model School Feeding Policy. It recognizes its potential as a catalyst for human capital development.

The communiqué is not just a list of wishes; it is a collaborative pact. The Senate, in its constitutional capacity as the protector of county governments, has been tasked with a leading role. It will translate these resolutions into actionable legislative and policy interventions.

This commitment was publicly affirmed during the conference. It provides a clear pathway for the resolutions. They are to be enacted, moving them from paper to practice.

Pledges and Bold Statements

The closing ceremony provided a platform for key leaders. They reflected on the conference’s achievements and articulate their vision for the future of devolution.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki delivered the keynote closing address, affirming the national government’s full support for devolution.

His speech struck a conciliatory tone. Acknowledging the challenges faced by counties. He pledged a renewed commitment to the principles of devolved governance.

He said in a statement, „Devolution is not merely an administrative framework. It is a moral obligation to ensure no one is left behind. Our collective focus on financing equity and inclusion is the right one. Because without financial muscle, the promise of self-governance and service delivery remains an empty one.“

Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, the Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), was a central figure throughout the conference. In his remarks, he praised the collaboration between the two levels of government. He also acknowledged the significant progress made over the past decade.

As the host, Governor Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay County seized the opportunity to showcase the transformative power of devolution. She shared the county’s journey from being perceived as a quiet, rural hub.

„Few years ago, many people wouldn’t have imagined that Homa Bay could host a conference of this magnitude,“ she stated.

National Assembly Majority Leader Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah also addressed the delegates. He focused on the crucial role of Parliament in the devolution ecosystem.

He pledged the National Assembly’s full support for the legislative measures proposed in the communiqué. Stating that the House would prioritize bills aimed at strengthening fiscal devolution and enhancing oversight. It will also ensure that the spirit of the conference’s resolutions is translated into concrete laws.

Side Events and Deep Dives

The exhibition pavilions and side events provided a space for practical solutions and grassroots innovations. The “Financing Social Sectors” and “Strengthening Ecosystem Collaboration” sessions were particularly impactful.

Here, experts and practitioners discussed innovative models for funding crucial services. They include healthcare and education. He also laid strong emphasis on leveraging public-private partnerships.

Start-ups and community-based organizations showcased their solutions. From tech platforms designed to streamline access to micro-finance for small businesses.

This will advance to sustainable agricultural projects. They are to directly impact household incomes.

A significant moment was the launch of the Model School Feeding Policy. It was framed as a direct outcome of the conference’s focus on social justice.

The policy is a collaborative effort between the Council of Governors, the National Government, and development partners. It aims to provide a standardized, county-led framework.

In turn, providing nutritious meals to learners in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers. This initiative is a powerful example of how the abstract ideals of equity.

It can be transformed into a tangible program that improves the lives of millions of children across the country.

Challenges and the Path Ahead

While the conference ended on a high note of optimism and collaboration, key challenges to devolution remain. The protracted issue of timely disbursement of funds from the national treasury continues to be a point of contention.

The communiqué’s call for a new revenue formula will likely face political and legislative hurdles. The capacity of some counties to manage and utilize these funds effectively remains a concern.

The road to full financial equity is long and complex. But the Homa Bay conference provided a renewed sense of purpose and a clear set of directions.

The consensus forged in Homa Bay represents more than just a momentary political truce. It is a shared vision for a more prosperous and equitable Kenya.

The next steps will require unwavering commitment, not just from the leaders who spoke on the podium.

But from every stakeholder—from the national government. Not forgetting the Senate to the county assemblies and the citizens at the grassroots level.

The true measure of this conference’s success will not be in the speeches delivered or the resolutions signed. It will be in their translation into improved services, fairer opportunities.

More over, tangible development that reaches every corner of the country. Homa Bay has provided the blueprint; now the hard work of building the future begins.