Siaya Gears Up for Major International Investment Conference
Siaya Governor James Orengo and ODM leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga address the media in Nairobi during a briefing on preparations for the upcoming Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference scheduled for October
Siaya Governor James Orengo on Monday led a delegation of county officials to brief ODM party leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga on preparations for the upcoming Siaya County International Trade and Investment Conference, slated for next month.
The high-level meeting in Nairobi brought together members of the Siaya County Executive Committee, chief officers, and directors, as the county intensifies efforts to host what is expected to be a landmark economic forum.
Governor Orengo announced that the three-day conference will run from October 15 to 17, with arrivals scheduled for October 14.“We are determined to ensure that Siaya hosts a truly fully-fledged trade and investment conference,” Orengo said, noting that preparations are at an advanced stage. He revealed that President William Ruto is expected to preside over the official opening on October 16, while Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga will grace the closing ceremony on October 17.
The governor lauded the growing support from the national government, private sector partners, and financial institutions, describing their contributions as “unimaginable.” He extended an open invitation to investors, business leaders, and development partners to attend the event, which aims to showcase Siaya’s vast economic potential.In his remarks, Odinga welcomed the initiative, terming it a vital step toward accelerating county-level development through investment. “This is something to be encouraged because our counties will only grow by attracting investment. That is when we are going to have that spin-off effect of growth and development in our country,” he said.Odinga urged residents to embrace a savings and investment culture to break what he described as the “vicious cycle of poverty.”
The Siaya Investment Conference follows similar county-level forums recently held in Mombasa, Kakamega, and Homa Bay, which seek to mobilize resources, create jobs, and foster economic transformation. Organizers say the Siaya event will provide a platform for local and international investors to explore opportunities in agriculture, energy, trade, and infrastructure development.
He highlighted Siaya’s strategic advantages, including fertile agricultural land, an active fishing economy, and mineral resources such as rare earth minerals. He also cited the presence of Yala Swamp, Lake Victoria, and proximity to Uganda and Tanzania as key trade enablers.“Siaya has even been identified as one of the possible sites for a nuclear power generation plant, with the capacity to produce between 5,000 and 10,000 megawatts. This will attract major investments and create jobs,” Odinga added.
