Devolution conference officially opened
2: 15 pm: "We still have a long way to go to realise the visions and goals that we have set. We must all work together to achieve these goals," President Kenyatta.
2:11 pm: "Due to unavoidable circumstances, I was unable to make it to Kakamega. Climate change is upon us. It is upon us as leaders to adapt to the change as we move forward," President Kenyatta.
2:10 pm: President Kenyatta addresses Devolution Conference via video link from State House, Nairobi.
2:04 pm: Governor Nanok: "To be really ready for industrialisation, we must have the internal technical capacity. Our Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers must be funded & equipped as hubs for innovation. Youth must be armed with the right skills."
1:50 pm: CoG Chair & Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok: "The spirit of consultation and cooperation ought to be maintained, as witnessed in the planning of this conference where all stakeholders worked together. We are going to play our role as leaders."
"This is an opportunity to reflect on what devolution has done for us and explore more opportunities to better it."
"Devolution has opened up democratic space to accommodate more women and youth in leadership."
1:31 pm: Speaker Lusaka: "The greatest source of conflict is unmet expectations. Our aim must now be to forge a common ground for growth and development. As leaders, we were elected to serve Kenya, not for Kenya to serve us."
1:18 pm: CJ Maraga: "We will open fully-fledged courts in Kigumo, Vihiga, Molo, Nyando, Muhoroni, Chuka, Oyugis, Makindu, Nkubu, Nyamira, Nakuru, and Garissa. The judiciary has waived court registration fees for County Governments"
CoG deputy chair Ann Waiguru addresses the delegates
12:52 pm: "The success stories (of devolution) cannot be told in low tones but shouted. The excitement in the counties cannot be hidden. Devolution is indeed working," Waiguru.
"Devolution has ensured extensive reforms in all sectors particularly the health sector. Through partnerships under Jubilee administration, there is an upgrade of health facilities in the counties."
"Devolution will not succeed if we don't work with the national government. We must pull in the same direction-the two levels of government. If the ship sinks we all sink."
12:49 pm: President Uhuru Kenyatta joins proceedings at Kakamega High School via a video link.
Oparanya welcomes delegates
12:30 pm: Governor Wycliffe Oparanya: "I welcome you to Kakamega county, the ‘green jewel’ and home to bull-fighting. We produce the most sugar in the country and are known for producing the greatest footballers in Kenya."
"We have food in Kakamega, but no money in our pockets. Our task now is to ensure residents have money from their farming activities."
"I want to thank President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga for creating a conducive environment for us leaders to work together for the good of our people without looking at our party affiliations."
Uhuru to skip Devolution conference opening
12:20 pm: President Uhuru Kenyatta cancels plans to attend #DevolutionConference2018 in Kakamega today due to "bad weather"; set to address the meeting from Nairobi via video link.
12: 15 pm: Dr. Juma Nyende - United Cities and Local Governments of Africa: "The Council of Governors of Kenya is very active in United Cities and Local Governments of Africa. We must recognise that devolution system in Kenya is like none in the world, and should move forward ready to face challenges and work together to solve them."
12:07 pm: Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi: "Devolution is working, and it can be better. We accept candid and positive feedback to help us move forward."
"Devolution is working"
11:59 am: Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago points out that devolution is working as outlined by the constitution.
"We are ready as governors to appear before the Senate to account for county resources," Mandango tells the over 5,000 delegates.
Audit counties
11:33 am: Murkomen, "Devolution is about the people. Are the people the center of devolution in this country or it is us the leaders? Is devolution taking care of the Oromo's Ogieks?"
Service delivery
11:27 am: Murkomen, "This conference should be for consultation for all parties involved in devolution. In the beginning, there was a complete misunderstanding of what devolution is. They made devolution about counties. It is a principle of governance that should ensure services are devolved. It is not about assemblies, senate but service delivery."
11:24 am: Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen, "I am very happy that the conference began with a football match yesterday, and the competition between governors and senators is now settled."
Senators beat Governors 5-0. [Photo/@kipmurkomen]
11:21 am: Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, "The youth need opportunities to showcase their talents as far as agribusiness is concerned. Let #DevolutionConference2018 be a youth-friendly convention."
11:03 am: #TBT moments at the conference as photos of governors in their childhood are displayed.
10:55 am: Chief Justice David Maraga among top government officials attending the opening of the 5th Devolution Conference at Kakamega High School.
Orengo hails Devolution Conference
10:52 am: "Our duty is to protect and advance devolution. The blame game has been shifting from the national government to the county government. Devolution is working and more resources should go to the counties."
"40pc of the resources collected by the government should go to the counties, revenue allocated to counties should be availed in time," Orengo says.
Orengo slams governors
"The tendency of accusing governors of eating resources should stop. Some cynics make noise even before the funds have reached respective counties
Challenges
10:40 am: Host MP Khamala Mukhwana: "Delay of disbursement of funds is hurting citizens. As we strive to achieve the #Big4Agenda, we need to put in place legislation that will guard devolution and its structures. We must not allow any mutilation of devolved units."
Handshake
10:33 am: Eric Mwangi, Secretary-General County Assemblies Forum while addressing the delegates says the devolution conference has come at a better time in the wake of the President Kenyatta-Raila Odinga handshake.
"Our forum will ensure conflict resolution mechanisms are enhanced. We will align ourselves with the national government's priorities," says Mwangi.
10:25 am: Acting Safaricom CEO Joe Ogutu says the company is involved in ensuring sustainable development through partnerships that support the government's Big 4 Agenda and devolution.
10:20 am: UK High Commissioner to Kenya Nic Hailey addressing the delegates, "Devolution has a vital part to play in delivering vision 2030, it is a work in progress and must succeed. We need to see progress in financial management at the county levels."
"We must embrace the spirit of devolution and the difference it can make in the lives of Kenyans. As friends and partners, we will support Devolution."
[Photo/KbcTv]
Senator James Orengo on devolution
10:00 am: "We come here on a positive spirit to ensure devolution can succeed. The law provides that Auditor General audit reports should go to the Senate and the county assemblies who are to engage in oversight activities."
"We need to have orderly oversight processes to ensure Senate intervenes after the counties have gone through audit reports. At the moment there’s no proper framework and it seemed like we are competing."
President Kenyatta to officially open the conference
President Uhuru Kenyatta is this morning expected to officially open the 5th Devolution Conference being held in Kakamega County.
Several leaders from across the political divide and delegates have gathered at Kakamega High School where the 4-day conference will take place.
The theme of the conference is "Sustainable, productive, effective and efficient governments for results delivery."
The host, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya on Monday 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.