Six Governors in Nyanza region reject investment conference
By Dickson Odhiambo
May 17, 2024
Six Governors in
Nyanza region reject investment conference
Six Governor from Nyanza region have rejected the forthcoming Nyanza International Investment Conference scheduled for 28th to 29th June, 2024, in Kisumu.
Governors
Prof Anyang Nyong’o of Kisumu his Siaya Counterpart James Orengo, Homa Bay
Governor Gladys Wanga, Migori Governor Dr. Ochillo Ayacko, Kisii Governor Paul Simba
Arati and his Nyamira Amos Nyaribo say they have become aware of the upcoming
Nyanza
International Investment Conference (NIC) being organized by the Nyanza Professional Forum and is aimed at fostering development across the six counties in our region by attracting both local and international investors is a good idea but they have strongly object to the Nyanza Professional Forum's unilateral decision to associate their names with this conference without prior official communication.
“Learning
about the conference through media publications featuring our images, without
our consent, is unacceptable. To be clear, we have not received any formal briefing
or invitation from the organizers, yet they are portraying us as participants. While
we would have been open to attending, the political overtones surrounding the conference
raise significant concerns for us,” they say.
They
demand that it is imperative that the Nyanza Professional Forum rectifies this
situation by issuing a public apology for exploiting their names and images in
promoting the conference without authorization, adding that they demand transparent
communication and inclusion in the planning and execution of the event if they
wish for our involvement.
“As
key players in the development and implementation of devolution in our
counties, we find it troubling that the governors are being sidelined in a conference
discussing devolved functions. We caution against any attempts to undermine
devolution through such actions,” they add.
They
say the of Kenya constitution 2010 and the law states out clearly the framework
for undertaking functions and roles between national and county governments
including concurrent mandates, adding that they have fora at the summit and
IBEC for initiating and representing policies and programs.
“We call
upon potential participants and partners to seek clarification directly from us
before engaging with the Nyanza International Investment Conference. We reaffirm
our commitment to advancing the economic interests of Nyanza and look forward
to constructive engagements with all stakeholders in a manner that respects our
roles and responsibilities,” they further say
They add
that as governors from Nyanza Region, they are entrusted with the economic
development and progress of our respective counties, we welcome all partners
interested in contributing to the growth of the region.
“We
have a history of hosting successful investment conferences and collaborating with
various stakeholders to drive economic prosperity in the region,” they further
say
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