With only 10 days left before the start of the 2025 Devolution Conference, navigating Homa Bay Town has become significantly easier following the installation of street signage by the county government.
For the first time, streets across the town have been officially marked, enabling residents and expected delegates at the conference to identify locations and move around with greater ease.
The streets have been named after prominent personalities, including politicians who have served the county. Each road now bears a signpost for identification.
Reactions to the initiative have been mixed. While some residents view it as a commendable step towards recognising the contributions of local leaders, others argue that it adds little value to everyday life.
Street named in Homa Bay Town named after Governor Gladys Wanga.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group
Previously, streets in Homa Bay lacked official names. Unlike larger towns such as Kisumu - with streets like Oginga Odinga Street, Obote Road and Angawa Avenue - or Nairobi, which features Moi Avenue, Mama Ngina Street, and Koinange Street, residents of Homa Bay often used building names or local landmarks to give directions.
Some areas, like Bank Road or Garage Road, had informal names based on common activities, but no signage was in place to guide visitors, making navigation particularly difficult for newcomers.
Street in Homa Bay Town named after the late Ndhiwa MP Orwa Ojode.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group
In April, the county government invited residents to submit proposals for naming streets in the town and the terraces at Raila Odinga Stadium. Governor Gladys Wanga issued a notice launching a public participation exercise, encouraging residents to suggest names.
“The County Government of Homa Bay invites members of the public to submit their suggestions for naming the six terraces of Raila Odinga Stadium as well as proposals for street names in Homa Bay Town,” the notice read.
Ms Wanga described the initiative as an opportunity for residents to contribute to the county's cultural identity and heritage.
“Your suggestions will be carefully considered to ensure the names reflect our culture, history and the values of Homa Bay,” the statement continued.
The guidelines stipulated that stadium terrace names should honour local heroes, historical events, or values that promote unity and sporting excellence. Street names, on the other hand, were intended to celebrate notable leaders, cultural landmarks, and individuals who have significantly contributed to the county’s development in fields such as academia, business, philanthropy and civil service.
“Let us shape the legacy of Homa Bay together. All submissions will be reviewed by a special committee and final decisions will be announced publicly,” Ms Wanga said.
In recent days, residents have woken up to find newly installed street signs at various corners of the town.
Among them is Governor Cyprian Awiti Street, which stretches from the State Lodge to the junction at the Homa Bay - Kendu Bay Road. Gladys Wanga Street runs from KCB Bank to the county headquarters.
Gov. Cyprian Awiti street, named after former Governor Cyprian Awiti.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation
Ong’ondo Were Street, connecting the Homa Bay - Kendu Bay Road to the county offices, has also been marked - though its signpost was reportedly removed by unknown individuals on Monday morning.
The street naming comes as the town prepares to host the 2025 Devolution Conference, set to begin on August 12.
Some residents have criticised the exercise, questioning its relevance. Michael Kojo, Executive Director of the Asego Public Litigation Forum, said many of the selected names belong to politicians who he claims are furthering personal interests. He also argued that the public participation process was inadequate.
Naming of streets in Homa Bay ahead of Devolution Conference stirs debate
“Local residents have their own heroes - such as Bunde, whose name is used at Kabunde Airstrip, Wahamba, and various academicians who played a vital role in developing this town. Their names should have been considered,” Mr Kojo said.
However, not all feedback was negative. Walter Opiyo, leader of Homa Bay Bunge la Wenye Nchi, welcomed the move, saying it would simplify navigation for visitors.
His views were echoed by Geoffrey Okoth, an official with the Homa Bay Giant Traders Association. He said the signage would greatly benefit the business community.
“Many of the goods we sell are delivered from other towns. With these new street names, it’s now much easier to provide accurate directions to suppliers,” Mr Okoth said.
