Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa alongside Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya on Monday briefed elected leaders from the Western region on progress made by stakeholders towards successful hosting of the 5th Annual Devolution Conference.
The 4-day conference will be officially opened in Kakamega by President Uhuru Kenyatta on 23rd April 2018.
Over 6,000 delegates including international development partners are expected to participate.
Oparanya said local entrepreneurs stand to gain most from the expected expenditure windfall by the guests particularly in the hospitality industry.
"Kakamega hotels will record maximum bed occupancy during the period and local traders will make a kill as well," he said.
Wamalwa commended the new found close collaboration between the national government and county government's following the famous handshake between the president and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Among the issues highlighted on the meeting's agenda included participation by the leaders, accommodation for delegates, security, emergency preparedness, entertainment, and investment opportunities for the newly established Lake Region Economic Bloc.
A cross section of leaders from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties attended the meeting including Deputy Governors, Senators, County Women Representatives, MPs, MCAs, County Assembly speakers as well as Majority and Minority leaders.