By Samson Wire
The Nyalore administration has embarked on an ambitious plan to market its existing cultural sites, artefacts, and museums. The initiative aims to accelerate ecotourism by attracting both domestic and international tourists, while promoting the county’s rich cultural and sports heritage to drive economic prosperity and employment creation.
Barely weeks after being sworn into office, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts, Dr. Nicholas Kut Ochogo, and Chief Officer Wilfred Nyagudi have hit the ground running. The duo has already rolled out strategic tourism development plans.
Dr. Kut led a high-level team from the department on an economic engagement tour aimed at fast-tracking Nyalore’s integrated development plans in line with budgetary provisions for the Financial Year 2026/2027. The whirlwind development tour began with a visit to the Gem artefact site, hosted by renowned Siaya multi-talented artist and tourism promoter, Mr. David Marenya.
The cultural site features a rich collection of locally made items crafted from beads, livestock leather, wood, and strings used for musical instruments, wall clocks, belts, and traditional branded caps. These products incorporate cultural symbols, including attire and caps associated with the Luo Council of Elders.
Dr. Kut promised that the county government would support Project Management Committees (PMCs), as established by law, to ensure all county museums, artefacts, and cultural sites are properly preserved for ecotourism. The goal is to deliver tangible benefits to local residents while creating employment opportunities for youth, women, men, and people with disabilities, both within and outside Siaya County.
He added that the county will work with the County Assembly to enact necessary legislation to protect the PMCs from encroachment. “From these improved cultural sites, we shall develop local initiatives to manufacture community attires, especially for the Luo Council of Elders, which symbolise our beliefs. We don’t need to import everything,” said Dr. Kut.
Additionally, the development tour included a stop at the Odera Akango cultural site in South Gem Ward, where the team inspected the ongoing construction of an artefacts and curio gallery. The works are at an advanced stage, with an administration block and toilet facilities nearing completion under PMC supervision. The project is awaiting connection to piped water.
Another eco-tourism drive is scheduled for Bondo and Rarieda sub-counties as part of a broader initiative to market Siaya’s cultural sites for both domestic and international visitors, with the aim of generating significant cultural and economic impact through job creation.
Sports stadia and related activities also form part of the county government’s economic stimulus package. Focus is being placed on stadiums under construction and those already in use across all 30 wards. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, in particular, has begun attracting both local and national tourists. Its recent successful hosting of the KICOSCA Games, which drew 43 county governments, spurred local businesses and boosted job creation across the formal and informal sectors—including boda boda operators, shop owners, supermarkets, hawkers, kiosks, restaurants, and hotels.
Also present during the development tour were senior tourism officer Emily Etyang and the Principal Admin Josphine Odui, Sports officer Joshua Odhiambo, Gem Sub county senior admin among other staff from the areas.