Siaya Holds Pre-investment Conference

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Governor James Orengo hosted a pre-investment conference on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Distinction Gardens in Siaya Town ahead of next year’s Siaya International Investment Conference (SIICO) in March.

Themed “Positioning Siaya as an Investment Destination: Transformative Growth Through Trade Investments,” the event acted as a precursor to the much-anticipated event slated for March 2025.

Graced by the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Trade, Alfred Ombudo K’Ombudo, who was the Chief Guest, the meeting was an interactive and educative session where various individuals aired views, critics, and opinions. The PS challenged the Department of Trade with a revelation on ways they can mobilize the available resources within the county in readiness for the conference.

Mr. Willies Ondiek, Tourism Fund Representative, pointed out the need to establish a fish exploratorium for the blue economy, destination beautification and greening for tourism, such as tree planting of different tree species, and cultural tourism product development, like establishing halls of fame, a template cultural village, herbal medicine, genealogy centers, and animal museums.

The meeting had government policymakers, business leaders, financial experts, academia, development partners, and industry players, as well as various stakeholders from different sectors.

During the pre-conference, sectors such as agribusiness and blue economy covering Siriwo Rice Mill, Madiany Cotton Ginnery, Aboke Edible Oils, Yala Swamp, Ramba Processing Plant, Lake Kanyaboli and Lake Victoria, Aquaculture; fish cage farming in Lwanda K’Otieno, water transport; water bus and beach hotels, Infrastructure, Healthcare, Youth and Digital Innovations, Education and Skills Development, Artisanal Mining, Good Governance, Climate Action and Business Development, and Financial Services were highlighted as possible areas for strategic partnerships and investment.

In attendance were CECM for Trade Madam Grace Agola, her counterpart for Governance and Administration CECM Agunda Ochanda, Acting Chief Officer Trade Madam Elizabeth Adongo, JOOUST Representative Prof. Elijah Ogenga, KEBS Lake Region Representative Mr. Tom Oduor, representatives from both Kenya Investment Authority and Kenya Chambers of Commerce, Jua Kali Association Representative Mr. Francis Obwanda, Equity Bank Representative Mr. Michael Okanda, Co-operative Bank, Diamond Trust Bank Representative Madam Beatrice Ogolla, Kenya Commercial Bank Representative Madam Catherine Akinyi, and Taraji Sacco Representative Madam Sarah Oloo.

The conference is more than just an event; it is a platform for turning aspirations into a reality, a beacon lighting the path towards a vibrant and prosperous future for Siaya. Through collective efforts and shared purpose, they aim to unleash the economic vibrancy within this region, forging a path of sustainable development.