Mercy Munyao, a youth from the Kitui School for the Mentally Handicapped, explains about beaded products at the Kitui county booth at the DevCon in Homa Bay to Kitui Governor Julius Malombe on Wednesday /Musembi Nzengu
Mercy Munyao, a youth from the Ndara Weavers group, displays her wares at the Kitui county booth at the DevCon 2025 in Homa Bay on Wednesday /Musembi Nzengu.Enterprising youth from Kitui county are making waves at the devolution conference in Homa Bay, turning the event into both a sales bonanza and a gateway to wider markets.
Stationed at the Kitui government booth at Homa Bay Boys High School, the young entrepreneurs are
showcasing value-added honey products, beaded jewellery, wood carvings, and
handwoven palm-leaf baskets. Many say the experience has been transformative.
“This trip has created market
linkages for me, introduced me to new clients, and taught me better ways to
market my baskets,” said 29-year-old weaver Mercy Munyao of Ndara Basket
Weavers. “In just two days, I’ve sold half my stock. I’ll be going home with
very little left.”
From Kitui School for the
Mentally Handicapped, 23-year-old Mercy Munyao, supported by principal
Veronicah Kitonyi, said the event has expanded external markets for their
beaded crafts, boosting the school’s income base.
For 25-year-old Stephen Kyalo of
Samale Innovative Apiaries, the conference has been “a motivating platform to
market sweet Kitui honey and showcase our county’s unique products.”
The exhibitors thanked the Kitui government for sponsoring their participation and urged that the
opportunity be extended to more young entrepreneurs in future.
With the conference set to close Friday, many expect to sell out completely — leaving them not just with lighter luggage, but with heavy order books for the months ahead.
Hundreds of participants drawn from across the country arrived in Homa Bay town for the eagerly awaited devolution conference.
Over 11,000 delegates registered for the event, which is taking place at Homa Bay High School. President William Ruto opened the event on Wednesday and called for stronger measures against corruption in Parliament, emphasising the need for accountability across all government institutions.
Ruto said some parliamentary committees have been demanding money from the executive, governors, and ministers. He said such practices undermine accountability and public trust.
“I must say the legislature must be held to account. There are instances where money is being demanded from the executive, governors, ministers, and those seeking accountability before our houses of Parliament,” the President said.
Ruto urged National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to take decisive action to address the issue. “Mr Speaker, it cannot continue as business as usual. Committees of Parliament should not demand payments for report writing or overlook matters within county or national government,” he said.
Ruto called on all Kenyans to participate in the fight against corruption, describing it as a shared societal responsibility. He also highlighted the role of the Judiciary.
“We have legal mechanisms, including anticipatory bail, which can sometimes delay prosecution. These need to be addressed to ensure justice is served,” he said.
