THE devolution conference in Kisumu has been described as “God sent” by inhabitants of the lakeside town. Locals seemed to have taken advantage of the governors conference to disapprove the whole nation's notion that Kisumu is evidently a violent town. The three-day conference saw a boom in business in almost all fields including the hospitality industry, eateries, restaurants, bars and clubs.
According to the chairman of western region, Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers William Orondo, most hotels were full, forcing some guests to settle out of the city. “By managing to host more than 6,000 guests, Kisumu has proved its worth as a city capable of holding other bigger conferences including international conventions,” adds Orondo.
Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma assured residents that the governor’s conference was just but a tip of the iceberg.
“The next conference we are planning to host will bring in more than 120,000 guests to help boost our economic strength,” Ranguma says, pointing out that there is need to empower locals economically by giving the business community in the area an opportunity to showcase their potential.
The chairman of the Council of Governors Isaac Rutto said Kisumu had been rediscovered.
“This is a wonderful place. I want to invite you to come here more often because the people are hospitable and the facilities are wonderful,” said the Bomet governor during the closing ceremony on Thursday.
He said he was happy that delegates attended most of the sessions in large numbers. "I wish to thank the President and Devolution CS Ann Waiguru for gracing this event unlike last year when they gave it a wide berth. We should be talking to each other if devolution is to succeed," added Rutto.
When she visited Kisumu recently, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie said the town has a potential of becoming a hospitality and investment hub owing to its strategic and vintage location. Tourism and commerce are third of the seven pillars in Kisumu growth master plan.
The conference was also a perfect opportunity for other counties to showcase their success stories and tourist attractions.
“I didn’t know Elgeyo Marakwet has a game reserve until today. The county is only associated with middle and long distance athletics,” said John Onditi.
Over the duration of the conference, petrol stations also recorded huge sales due to the high number of vehicles, especially the fuel guzzlers and other classy brands, in the city.
The boda boda industry was also not left out of the booming business. Some operators said they would double their fares whenever they spotted potential customers who seemed unfamiliar with the lake side city.
Some guests also moved to the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary thus contributing to the tourism sector.
Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o while welcoming guests at the Tom Mboya Labour College at the first session of the conference had asked the visitors to endeavour to have a taste of fish from the city.
“You may move to Kiboko Bay, Dunga Beach and Hippo Point and enjoy your meals,” said Nyong’o. At the famous Lwang’ni beach, visitors who went to enjoy their meals of fish also took the opportunity to enjoy a boat ride in the Lake.
“Business has been blossoming since Monday. We are making good money here. They should come back again next year,” said Rose Akinyi.
Governors, Senators and other senior guests also thronged more private clubs where they also dined and wined. Popular musician Tony Nyadundo and Kayamba Africa entertained guests at the venue of the conference late in the night.
In the political scene, the warm welcome accorded to President Uhuru Kenyatta during his visit seemed to have thrilled many. Political pundits have argued that the move was a good idea that “would help change negative perception” that the people from the region are intolerant.
“Uhuru is the first president to visit mtaa (Nyalenda slums). We are happy that he visited us and launched a massive upgrading project. Even former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has never visited us,” said Jane Achieng a resident on Nyalenda.
Joseph Odia, a tuk tuk operator was sad that the conference only lasted three days.
“We recorded booming business. I wish it lasted a week. They should bring it here next year against because I think it has been successful. This is a clear demonstration that Kisumu is hospitable and not violent,” he said.
Roads in Kisumu and it’s environs were also re-carpeted.
“Potholes on this road have been done because of the conference. We thank the organizers for bringing this conference here,” said Omondi Ken, a matatu driver plying the Kenya Re–Town route.
Call girls also thronged the town to also have a piece of the devolution conference.
“I travelled from Kericho and I don’t regret it. We have done good business,” said one of them at a popular entertainment spot in town.
Next year’s conference will however be held in Meru County.
