Orengo Reveals Blueprint to Transform Siaya into Regional Economic Hub

The joint meeting between the Executive and County Assembly of Siaya held on Wednesday 20 November, 2024. Photos | Directorate of Public Communication, County Government of Siaya

The Governor revealed that Siaya’s Investment Conference scheduled for March next year is gaining grounds insofar as attracting important economic players.

The three days investors conference will see bankable projects inked and actualized to propel the county to economic prosperity.

According to the Governor there will be a session to discuss impactful projects that can be funded by partners whom the county will have engaged during the investment conference.

“We need to have a session to discuss impactful projects for Siaya. We have been going round Nairobi city to see partners who have committed to support Siaya’s investment conference,” said Governor Orengo.

“We do not want to walk out of the conference with MoU documents, but instead come out with bankable projects whose contributions will propel Siaya into greater heights,” he added.

A number of financial institutions (especially in the banking sector) whom the Governor has engaged have already opened their branches in Siaya.

Other banks are said to be undertaking feasibility studies with a view to setting up in Ndori and Usenge.

”We have held extensive discussions with financial institutions on the merits of the investment conference and virtually all have given a greenlight to participate as partners.”

Orengo who was flanked by Speaker George Okode regretted that Siaya still does not have a clearcut investment industry with KES 400 million return in a year.

“We can’t point any key investors or industry in Siaya with a yearly return of between KES 300 to 400 million. That means if we don’t talk of making Siaya an investment destination everything will be from hand to mouth,” the Governor explained.

The availability of palm oil and cotton among other agricultural crops ought to have been harnessed into creating returns amounting to billions.

“We have a good number of partners who have promised to fund the conference and give us a hand in our economic transformation agenda”.

Orengo further said the upcoming cultural event for the East African Luo community dubbed Piny Luo to be held in December, will provide an additional platform for enhancing engagement with investors.

“The Piny Luo event is going to attract luos including those from diaspora and will bring along friends who will be hosted in Siaya for four days,” the Governor said.

The focal centers for the cultural event will be Migwena grounds, Wich-lum beach, Jaramogi Mausoleum and Siaya town.

Top: Orengo holding consultations with a Director of Betika concerning promotion of Siaya stadium and, below: Orengo signing MoU with the Nation Media Group.

Orengo at the same time revealed that the deal he entered with the Nation Media Group was for overall event promotion. It’s an elaborate partnership which will see the media house recording and broadcasting profiles.

He also invited Siaya residents to come out in good numbers and attend the international fisheries day that will be marked today Thursday 21 November at Luanda K’Otieno beach.

“It’s a singular honor to celebrate the fisheries day in Siaya and we want to take advantage of exposure ride to international agencies that comes with the hosting privilege,” concluded Orengo.

Read more: https://siaya.go.ke