Siaya County is set to attract multi-billion-shilling investments following the launch of the International Trade and Investment Conference (SITICO), which began on Tuesday. The conference, hosted at Siaya National Polytechnic, has already drawn interest from investors in green energy, agriculture, and the production of biodegradable sanitary towels. Victor Nyagaya, chairman of both the Lake Region Economic Bloc and SITICO, highlighted that potential projects include the installation of floating solar panels in Lake Kanyaboli—a first of its kind in Kenya—and partnerships to manufacture environmentally friendly menstrual hygiene products.
Speaking at a media briefing, Nyagaya emphasized Siaya’s untapped potential for investment, noting that the county offers opportunities unmatched by other regions. The conference also showcased Siaya’s blue economy prospects, with over 1,000 square kilometers of water bodies including Lake Victoria and Lake Kanyaboli. County officials outlined plans to develop aquaculture, maritime logistics, tourism, and sport fishing as part of efforts to expand economic growth. Grace Agola, the Executive Committee Member for Cooperative Enterprise and Industrialisation, acknowledged that the county currently contributes just one percent to Kenya’s GDP but affirmed that initiatives under Governor James Orengo’s administration aim to significantly increase this contribution within the next two years.
The conference is expected to draw further attention when President William Ruto officially opens the event on Thursday. Stakeholders believe that these strategic investments could transform Siaya into a hub for sustainable economic development, creating jobs and improving livelihoods for local communities. With the county actively courting both local and international investors, the outlook for economic growth in Siaya appears promising, potentially positioning the region as a model for investment-led development in Kenya’s western region.