Governor James Orengo joined colleague Governors in Homabay for the International investment conference that was held at Tom Mboya University. The Conference brought together delegates from National Government Agencies,private sectors, Learning Institutions among others. The forum provided a platform for International investors who were keen on promoting Agriculture and blue economy giving an opportunity for Representatives from Siaya County to explain to Private Partners why they should invest in the region. It was a great opportunity for Siaya leadership to negotiate for investment deals that will in the long run help transform Siaya as a County.
According to Governor Orengo the installation of Sh60 million rice mill project in Siriwo will encourage expansive production of rice in Siaya citing that the recently held meeting between his office and a Multi-billion indian rice investors was a walk in the right direction. There are great investment opportunities and one of them is fisheries or blue economy which the Governor seeks to invest in as the engine of growth for Siaya County. The growth and prosperity for the devolved unit is anchored on Blue economy and Agriculture.
The 2010 statistics collated from 69 beaches shows that Siaya had a total catch of 9000 tons valued at Sh 836 Million but currently due to proximity of Siaya to Kisumu International Airport, the County will be able to export fish and its products abroad. To facilitate this, access roads to the beaches are enhanced and the County will improve on the landing sites to enable faster produce delivery to the market. Currently Siaya is surviving on a Ksh150 million fish plant at Luanda Kotieno and is yet to be handed over to a partner to operate it.
The County government will identify and provide land for development, offer tax incentives and provide a secure environment that will assist potential investors in the fisheries industry.
In tourism, Siaya is keen on playing a critical role in Western Kenya tourism circuit that connects Kisumu, Vihiga, Busia, Homa-bay and Migori. The County is endowed with rich cultures, notable geographical features such as Lake Victoria; the worlds second largest Fresh water lake, Lake kanyaboli-the Second oxbow lake in Africa, Numerous Islands such as Ndeda, Mageta and Mountanious ranges like Got Ramogi and Got Abiero. The KOgello Cultural center and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga mausoleum are among heritage sites that attract tourist to the region. Investments in the hotel industries have been robust in the towns such as Bondo and Siaya with excellent facilities that provide accommodation and food. The County is seeking to improve the current bed capacity rates by establishing beach tourism. Siaya also has abundant natural resources. It experiences excellent weather conditions for exploring and developing renewable energy ventures, from Carbon trading, Solar and Wind energy.
