Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya extensively briefed elected leaders from the Western region on the readiness of the County to host a successful 5th Annual Devolution Conference.
In a forum led by CS Wamalwa, elected leaders from the five Western Counties shared their concerns towards the preparations for the event that will officially kick off next week.
The four-day conference will be officially opened in Kakamega by President Uhuru Kenyatta on 24th April 2018 with over 6,000 delegates including international development partners expected to participate.
Former prime minister who is also the NASA leader Raila Odinga and deputy president William Ruto are expected to address the conference.
Governor Oparanya said local entrepreneurs stand to gain most from the expected expenditure windfall by the guests particularly in the hospitality industry.
He added that the County is ready to market its culture including traditional food, local tourist attraction sites, dress codes among others.
“Kakamega hotels will record maximum bed occupancy during the period and local traders will benefit as well,” the Governor told the press.
CS Wamalwa commended the new found close collaboration between the national government and County governments following the famous handshake between the President and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Kakamega County Senator Cleophas Malala who was present urged the CS to intervene and ensure that Koffi Olomide who has been invited by the County government to entertain guests during the event is given an opportunity.
Meanwhile, most of the hotel owners have revealed that they are fully booked for the conference. In an exclusive interview with West Media, Hotel owners association chairman William Ouya has revealed that there are 65 hotels in the County with the capability of hosting all classes of visitors.
He said that they have gone round all the 65 facilities and have concluded that they are all ready and capable.
A visit to Logma Hotel, a new facility in Kakamega town, disclosed that the hotel management was working around the clock to ensure that security among other things is up to date.
The hotel manager Isaac Ndinya informed the press that they have ordered more foodstuffs, increased staff and even gatekeepers adding that they have requested the County Commissioner to give them two extra armed police officers to ensure that their guests are safe.
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 including Deputy Governors, Senators, County Women Reps, MPs, MCAs, County Assembly speakers as well as Majority and Minority leaders.