• Governor Bii says all preparations for the conference are almost complete
• County has worked with governors' council, security teams to ensure it'll be a success
Image: BY MATHEWS NDANYI
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii says his county is ready to host more than 10,000 guests expected to attend the devolution conference in Eldoret town in two weeks' time.
All preparations for the conference are almost complete, with the main venue set at the Eldoret Sports Club, where the meeting will take place between August 15 and 19.
The county has worked closely with the Council of Governors and other stakeholders, including security teams, to ensure the conference will be successful.
“We welcome all Kenyans to Eldoret, the City of Champions, where we are ready to host the devolution conference and showcase our capacity in various sectors,” Bii said. He spoke at his office in Eldoret.
Top guests expected at the conference include President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, opposition chief Raila Odinga and speakers of both Parliament and the Senate.
It will be the first Biennial Devolution Conference to be hosted by the CoG.
The county has been carrying out a major facelift of Eldoret town, including completion of key projects, as part of preparations ahead of the conference.
Three weeks ago, Bii took personal charge to spearhead completion of various projects in preparation for the meeting.
The governor said his government has deployed engineers and technical personnel from the Roads department and technical personnel who are supporting the contractor at Kipchoge Stadium and also the ongoing works at 64 Stadium.
The Kipchoge Stadium and the sports club are key venues where construction work has been stepped up so that it's completed next week.
"We are also working closely with the national government, and I am impressed with the work that has already been done at the stadium and also at the Eldoret Sports Club,” Bii said.
Additional streetlights and repairs of key roads in the town is also almost complete to ensure security and movement will be smooth during the conference, which will officially be opened by Ruto on August 15.
“We are set for the conference and we urge our people, especially the business community to ensure they are well prepared to host the high number of guests we expect,” Bii said.
The county headquarters where the office of the governor is located has also been given a major facelift, with fresh painting and construction of parking areas, along with planting grass in many areas.
The 47 governors and their deputies will arrive in Eldoret from mid next week, and their first activity will be a visit to the Rivatex textile company on August 14 to asses revival of the firm.