Hundreds of participants from across the country have arrived in Homa Bay Town for the eagerly awaited devolution Conference.

Over 11,000 delegates have so far registered for the conference, which takes place at Homa Bay High School. Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Governors (CoG) Mary Mwiti said all preparations were already in place.

“Preparations are complete. We have registered over 11,000 delegates and we have issued them badges,” Mwiti said.

She said they had put in place measures to ensure that the theme of the conference “equity, inclusion and social justice” was actualised.

“We intend to achieve economic growth and close the economic divide in our counties through this conference,” Mwiti said.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that President William Ruto will open the conference on Wednesday morning and assured the participants of adequate security during the conference. Dr Omollo said security had also been intensified in all the neighbouring towns including Migori and Kisii towns.

“There are guests who will be accommodated in neighbouring towns, we assure them adequate security in those places too,” Omollo said.

A good number of organisations have pitched tent to exhibit their goods and services. Among the organisations are the Media Council of Kenya, Katiba Institute, the National Sydemic Diseases Council (NSDCC) and others.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and her Embu counterpart Cecilly Mbarire led a team of leaders in hosting a function dubbed Sigand Nyi Nam.

Sigand Nyi Nam in Dholuo means ‘Daughters of the Lake’ and is a forum that brings together women from the Luo community.

The forum held at Governor’s Park in Homa Bay Town brought together women from all the four Luo Nyanza counties of Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisumu and Migori.

The women listened attentively to speeches from their leaders which centred on gender-based violence (GBV), teenage pregnancies and HIV and AIDS. Wanga challenged all stakeholders to double efforts in the fight against gender-based violence.

“Gender based violence is a problem that we must eradicate, women must be at the forefront in the fight,” Wanga said.

Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo said campaigns against GBV will help in prevention of HIV/Aids.

“GBV can lead to the spread of HIV and Aids. Let us stand firm against it,” Dr Gogo said.

Suba North Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo said teenage pregnancies was menace which should be tackled by all means. She said women should sensitize their children against engaging in sex to uplift education standards.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Davis Langat