The fifth devolution conference successfully ended on yesterday after three days of consultative discussion on how best to steer devolution across the country and deliver service to Kenyans.
The conference which was officially opened by President Uhuru Kenyatta by launching two programmes, the Kenya Devolution Support Programme and the Kenya Urban Support Programme, that will see the National Government inject Ksh 50 billion as performance-based conditional grants to boost the capacity of county governments to deliver quality services to Kenyans.
“Just like us in the National Government, you must also strive to perform to the very highest standards; and must be ready to take a stern view of public servants who give in to lethargy and sloth,” the President directed.
The President alluded to, as some of the key milestones of devolution, the establishment of a legislative process firmly rooted in the county assemblies and the election of three distinguished ladies to the position of Governor for the first time in the country’s history, governors Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Charity Ngilu (Kitui) and Dr. Joyce Laboso (Bomet).
The UK government shows total support for success of devolution process as UK High Commissioner who also Chairs Devolution Donor Working Group H.E. Nic Hailey guided that funds need to flow efficiently and accountably to county and into service delivery that benefits Kenyan citizens.
He further endorsed public participation as well as efforts in real reconciliation beyond the handshake.
In support of his statement he said, “Differences are to be celebrated; they make us what we are. Our unity is not found in ignoring or subjugating them or pretending they do not exist. Instead we find strength in our diversity.”
Being one of Presidents big four agenda, manufacturing discussions vividly proved to steer Kenya towards food security and job creation.
Kitui governor, Charity Ngilu, who was among the panelists in trade and manufacturing said, “Kenya has the capacity to manufacture all these goods we are importing from across the world.”
Counties are working to empower young people to gain skills that help them to start their own businesses as well as be productive as employees especially through Technical Vocational Education and Training.
A case of Kericho county where the county government has trained 80,000 youths with sh600 million seems to have boosted the counties stability according to Governor Chepkwony.
Success of devolution leads to self-reliance and sustainability of the Kenyan people thus requiring minimum or no support from diaspora or foreign countries. 
