Siaya Pushes for Investment Growth

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Siaya County has set its sights on becoming a regional hub for investment by focusing on agriculture, energy, and the blue economy — a move Governor James Orengo says will create opportunities for residents while positioning the county as a magnet for investors.

The governor made the remarks in Nairobi during a consultative meeting with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at his Capitol Hill office, where he briefed him on the upcoming Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference (SITICO).

Governor Orengo described the conference as a bold step towards unlocking the county’s economic potential.

 “The Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference will showcase our county’s potential in agriculture, the blue economy, energy, and other critical sectors,” he said.

He revealed that the event has already attracted strong interest from partners and potential investors. 

Some big names have come on board as sponsors, including Kakuzi Kenya and Lupfund. 

Beyond that, the county is entertaining ambitious projects that could change its economic trajectory.

One of the flagship projects under discussion is a proposed KSh 500 billion nuclear power plant in Bondo, which Mr Orengo said could transform the region into a major energy hub. 

If successful, the project would be among the largest of its kind in East Africa, offering Siaya a new identity beyond its traditional reliance on small-scale agriculture and fishing.

Mr Odinga welcomed the initiatives, noting that counties have the responsibility to tap into their unique resources and use them to attract investors. 

He said growth will not come through government allocations alone but through deliberate strategies to open new doors.

 “Counties should use their resources effectively to attract investors and open up new opportunities for their people,” Mr Odinga said.

He also underlined that real transformation will require a cultural shift in how communities handle wealth and planning for the future.

 “We must build a culture of savings and investment as a strategy to break cycles of poverty,” he added.

The push for SITICO comes at a time when counties are under pressure to show results in generating revenue and jobs.

 Since the start of devolution in 2013, Siaya has grappled with unemployment, underutilisation of Lake Victoria resources, and limited industrial activity. 

The county government is now betting that structured partnerships through forums like SITICO will begin to reverse this trend.

If successful, the benefits could be far-reaching. 

Increased investment in agriculture could modernise local farming and create agribusiness opportunities. 

A stronger blue economy strategy could see Siaya fishermen access better markets and processing facilities, while energy projects could anchor manufacturing and create jobs for youth.

Economists note that conferences like SITICO are not merely public relations shows.

 If well executed, they provide direct linkages between counties and investors who might otherwise overlook regional opportunities.

 For Siaya, which has often been associated more with politics than commerce, the stakes are particularly high.

Governor Orengo’s administration believes that positioning the county as an investment hub will also have ripple effects on infrastructure, tourism, and education. 

Better roads and energy networks, driven by investor demand, could open rural areas for trade. 

At the same time, new enterprises could strengthen the local economy and broaden the county’s revenue base.

Mr Odinga’s message of discipline in savings and long-term planning also struck a chord. 

For decades, Nyanza has been known as a region with vast potential but limited industrialisation.

 Transforming that reputation into real development, both leaders said, requires a sustained commitment to reinvestment and future-oriented projects.

As Siaya prepares to host SITICO, the county government is keen to ensure the meeting goes beyond speeches.

 The goal, officials say, is to sign deals and agreements that translate into visible projects on the ground.

 The county will also be measuring success by the extent to which local communities are integrated into the opportunities arising from new investments.

The Capitol Hill meeting between Orengo and Mr Odinga underscored a growing recognition that devolution must now enter its next phase — moving beyond service delivery into wealth creation. 

For Siaya, the conference is not just a showcase but a test of its ability to reinvent itself as a destination for serious business.

If the momentum holds, SITICO could mark the beginning of Siaya’s journey from a largely agrarian county into a diversified economy powered by innovation, investment, and strategic partnerships.