The 5th annual Devolution Conference kicks off today in Kakamega county, with at least 6,000 delegates expected to flock Western Kenya for the next four days.
The 4-day conference will be held at the Kakamega High School.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to officially open the summit on Tuesday, April 24. Deputy President William Ruto will grace the closure of the conference on April 27.
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya who has been spearheading the preparations to ensure the success of the conference said on Monday that the Western Kenyan county was ready to host over 6,000 delegates.
He, however, admitted that they have accommodation shortage, and some of the delegates will be hosted in neighbouring counties.
"Unfortunately, we did not have enough accommodation for everyone. We have made plans to have delegates access facilities in neighbouring towns," said Governor Oparanya.
SECURITY
Oparanya said security has been beefed up in the town to ensure no incidences affect the conference.
"The county commissioner has assured us of security. More police officers have been deployed to Kakamega during the conference period. Our hotels and shops will be open for 24-hours for the next 4 days to enable all visitors to enjoy their stay in Kakamega county," he said.
CHALLENGES
Governor Oparanya highlighted some of the challenges facing devolution, among them poor procurement procedures, corruption and delayed disbursement of funds to the counties.
"Procurement has been delayed in counties because we have to match the procurement process and the cash flow. We try as leaders to ensure we work without corruption. We still have a few cases of graft in the counties, but we have also put in place measures to fight corruption," he said.
KOFFI OLOMIDE
Olomide's return to the country remains in doubt following his deportation two years ago for kicking one of his female dancers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
It had been reported that Olomide will be paid Sh23 million by Kakamega county government to perform at the Devolution Conference slated for April 24 to April 26.
Speaking on the controversial return of Olomide, Governor Oparanya said the county will not spend any penny on Olomide. He said the Congolese' promoters will take care of the expenditures.
"The county government of Kakamega is not involved in bringing in Koffi Olomide. That tour is being organised by his promoters. At the moment, I am not sure if he is coming as he had problems the last time he was in Kenya," he said.
Oparanya said if the singer is allowed to enter the country, he will perform on Thursday and Friday in Kakamega.