The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Siaya County to formulate investment policy. The agency also pledged to support Siaya towards the international investment conference scheduled for March 2025. The KIPPRA team was led by the Executive Director, Dr. Rose Ngugi, OGW; Director Corporate Affairs, Irene Mithia; and Policy Analyst, Elvis Kiptoo.
Governor James Orengo acknowledged the critical nature of KIPPRA presentation as a reference document for engaging investors, as the data would help them sign other MOUs on bankable projects. "Indeed, these parameters matter to investors," noted Orengo. In promising to walk the journey with KIPPRA, the County Boss informed the agency of the upcoming visit of a delegation from the Municipal District of Taber, Canada in February next Year, which would provide a suitable platform for cooperation.
Trade, Enterprise, Cooperatives and Industrial Development CECM, Grace Agola, underscored the essence of capacity building in bringing people from the fear zone to instill a mindset of creating wealth. The move was revealed to have caused minimal financial intake in the county - minimal access to bank loans and SACCOs.
KIPPRA's presentation focused on County Youth Unemployment rate, which stood at 4.8% compare to 8.5% nationally. The agency also highlighted National Information Platform for Food Security and Nutrition, proposing the need for the same data at the county level. On Public Affairs, KIPPRA stated that Siaya county’s overall score was 0.65 % in 2024 from 0.58% in 2022. The Agency added that Siaya County’s economy was still below the national average of 4.6%, with the county having a rating of 1.6%. The County Government of Siaya (CGS) has planned to have more round tables and more conferences to ensure that whatever they do is measured through the help of KIPPRA and have data presented to the public.
KIPPRA gave the following policy interventions to the CGS. First, on economic performance, the CGS was asked to build a climate resilience in the agricultural center by supporting uptake of crop and livestock insurance and growing of drought resistance crops, to improve work site related infrastructure such as water, electricity and internet connection such as public Wi-Fi hot spots and to collaborate with the National Government to establish supportive infrastructure for full utilization of the County Aggregation of Industrial Park at Got Akara when completed.
In addition, under public participation, the CGS was mandated to ensure that all notices and reports are easily accessible to the public and mandate the regular publication of public participation notices and reports online. On the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities (PWDs), KIPPRA recommended passing legislations and policies that enhance their inclusion in public service and implementing affirmative actions to increase representation of women in the assembly and county executive. Also, on youth employment, the county government outdid itself by supporting entrepreneurship youth programs and offering skills training. KIPPRA urged the leadership to craft long-term development goals beyond the County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) and County Spatial Plans in order to be the first of its kind in the region, for instance, Siaya Vision 2060.
Finally, KIPPRA proposed continuous training of CGS employees through their scholarship programmes or self-sponsorship. The Governor was flanked by CECMs CS Agunda Ochanda (Governance), Grace Agola (Trade), Anjeline Oduor (Tourism, Sports, and Culture), Sylvestre K'Okoth (Agriculture), Dr Martin K'Onyango (Health) and other county officials.