Homa Bay County is gearing up to host two major national events in 2025: the Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1 and the 9th Devolution Conference later in the year. These high-profile gatherings are expected to significantly boost the county’s economy and elevate its status on the national stage.
Central to these preparations is the ongoing rehabilitation of the Raila Odinga Stadium, which has been under renovation for the past two months. Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, who led an inspection of the facility on Tuesday, confirmed that the stadium will be completed and handed over to the county government by May 15, ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations. The upgraded facility will accommodate over 10,000 attendees and features newly constructed pavilions with modern canopies.
Dr. Omollo, accompanied by Governor Gladys Wanga, urged local business operators to seize the economic opportunities presented by these events. Governor Wanga echoed the sentiments, emphasizing that the celebrations and the devolution conference should be used as platforms to highlight key issues, including the challenges facing fishermen in Lake Victoria. She cited insecurity and inadequate resources as major concerns affecting the fishing community and called for national attention to address them.
In preparation for the devolution conference, the Council of Governors (CoG) has begun engaging local stakeholders. On Tuesday, the CoG’s steering committee, led by Governor Mutahi Kahiga, held a consultative meeting with Homa Bay’s business community. Kahiga underscored the importance of the event in promoting devolution and urged traders to avoid inflating prices during the conference.
Governor Wanga reassured the steering committee of the county’s readiness to host the conference, calling on residents to maintain peace and provide quality services. She stressed that the event would bring long-term economic benefits to the region, encouraging all sectors including hoteliers, transporters, and informal traders to prepare adequately.
As Homa Bay positions itself as a national event hub in 2025, the collaborative efforts between the national government, county leadership, and local communities are expected to leave a lasting impact on the region’s development.
