Siaya County Governor James Orengo unveiled the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) for 2023–2028, a Sh2 billion blueprint aimed at transforming the county from subsistence farming to agricultural-led industrialisation. The plan emphasizes mechanized agriculture, youth engagement in farming, and industrialisation, with funding sourced from the equitable share (Sh44 billion), conditional allocations (Sh1.67 billion), and own-source revenue (Sh4.6 billion), leaving a shortfall of Sh150 billion expected from investors and development partners.
Orengo stressed that attracting and retaining investors is critical, noting his recent trips to Egypt and India as part of efforts to secure investment opportunities for Siaya. He highlighted that despite the county’s natural resources and human capital, growth has lagged and requires proactive engagement with investors.
Former UNCTAD Secretary-General Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi urged Siaya to improve its investor reputation, citing the fallout with Dominion Farms as a deterrent to potential investors. He advised the county to sensitise locals to welcome investors and collaborate with neighboring counties—Busia, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori—to harness the blue economy potential in Lake Victoria. Kituyi also highlighted opportunities in the orange economy (arts and sports) as additional drivers of economic growth and employment.
The unveiling was held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, with Kituyi encouraging Siaya to create an enabling environment to attract and retain investment for sustainable county development.