The County Government of Siaya hosted a high-level delegation from the President’s Economic Transformation Secretariat (PETS), which in the county to present the National government’s BETA Agenda and engage local leaders on priority areas for joint development.
The PETS team led by Presidential Advisor Mr. Joe Ager, accompanied by Austone Cheruiyot, Senior Advisor at State House, and Daisy Bii, PETS Advisor on Cooperatives. The presentation, dubbed the "Siaya BETA Presentation," outlined multi-sectoral strategies tailored to transform the county’s economy through targeted investments, value chain development, and alignment with national goals.
In a meeting graced by the county’s leadership, led by Speaker of the County Assembly of Siaya Rt. Hon. George Okode and the County Secretary Mr. Joseph Ogutu, county officials responded to the BETA proposals and outlined areas where National government support is most needed. Agriculture emerged as a major focus, with discussions around supporting oil crop farming and tapping into the economic potential of the Yala Delta covering Yimbo East Ward and Central Alego Ward.
In tourism, the county appealed for the development of cultural and ecological sites such as Got Ramogi, and improved infrastructure to boost domestic and international visits. The blue economy also featured, with calls to enhance fish value chains and modernize beach landing sites along Lake Victoria.
On infrastructure, the urge for the National government to upgrade stadium and open rural access roads was emphasized. Under the water sector, the county called for immediate intervention to fast-track the construction of the Lower Nzoia Dam, which holds promise for large-scale irrigation, water supply, and flood control.
Mr. Ager affirmed that the BETA Agenda is built on county-specific solutions and committed to working closely with Siaya’s leadership to deliver on key transformative projects.
The forum marked a collaborative step toward unlocking Siaya’s development potential through coordinated efforts between the national and county governments.
Also present during the meeting were County Executive Committee Members Mr. Maurice Otieno Mc’Orege (Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development), Angeline Oduor (Tourism, Sports, Culture and Arts), Prof. Jacqueline Oduol (Water, Environment, Irrigation, Climate Change and Natural Resources), Mr. Sylvester K’Okoth (Agriculture, Livestock, Food Security and Blue Economy), Mrs. Grace Agola (Trade), alongside Chief Officers led by Chief Officer for Governance, Administration and ICT Hon. Walter Okelo, Directors led by Director of Public Communications, Civic Education and Petitions Mr. Chrispine Omondi, were Members of the County Assembly.