Siaya County Assembly Speaker, The Right Honourable George Okode, today presided over the Pre-Devolution Innovation Exhibition at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya.
The event showcased leading innovators from various fields across the county, who have pioneered projects utilizing locally sourced raw materials. These innovations span critical sectors such as health, agriculture, trade, water, and others, significantly impacting Siaya and beyond.
This exhibition serves as a precursor to the main Devolution Conference, scheduled for August in Homa Bay County, which will be attended by all 47 county governments, with President William Ruto as the Chief Guest.
Representing Governor James Orengo, Speaker Okode emphasized the County Government’s commitment to harnessing local potential by prudently utilizing locally available raw materials to enhance value chains and drive Siaya’s economic development.
Conveying greetings from ODM Leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, Okode praised the Orange Democratic Movement and its leadership for consistently supporting Governor Orengo in delivering on promises made to Siaya residents.
“I thank The Right Honourable Raila Odinga for providing political support to Governor James Orengo, ensuring the county is led in the right direction for the betterment of the citizens of Siaya,” Okode stated.
He added, “Today, we have witnessed remarkable talent among our people, with innovations and value chains in agriculture, health, and other sectors. Contributions from people living with disabilities and youth were also showcased. We are optimistic about securing the top position at the upcoming Devolution Conference.”
Okode expressed gratitude to all innovators for freely showcasing their talents and acknowledged the efforts of everyone who contributed to the event’s success. “I call upon the judges to select the best innovations so we can excel in Homa Bay,” he concluded.
County Secretary Joseph Ogutu also commended the displayed talents and innovations, expressing confidence in Siaya’s success at the upcoming Devolution Conference.
At the same event, Mr. Sylvester K’Okoth, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Food Security, and Blue Economy, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to achieving food security in Siaya through partnerships with organizations like GIZ. “We are excited about the innovations showcased today,” K’Okoth noted.
Mrs. Grace Agola, CECM for Trade, Enterprise, Industrialization, and Cooperatives, announced plans to enhance the boda boda sector by introducing E-boda boda, with an investor already engaged. She confirmed the rollout is expected later this year. Agola also outlined efforts to market Siaya beyond its borders through the upcoming Siaya Investment Conference (SITICO), in partnership with KenInvest, the Ministry of Trade and Investments, and Ulido.
On the operationalization of the Cooperatives Development Fund, Agola noted that the County Assembly of Siaya has approved the necessary legislation and regulations, with all documentation completed to facilitate cash disbursements to cooperatives. She reaffirmed the Orengo administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for traders in Siaya.
Hon. Walter Okelo, Chief Officer for Governance, Administration, and ICT, expressed appreciation to Speaker Okode and all guests for attending the event. He commended the collaboration of various departments, particularly the Department of Governance, Administration, and ICT, which organized the exhibition.
Okelo promised a strong representation of Siaya at the 9th Devolution Conference in Homa Bay in August and thanked the citizens of Siaya for responding to Governor Orengo’s call to participate in the innovation exhibition.
The event was graced by dignitaries, including Siaya County Commissioner Jara Komora, Principal of Siaya National Polytechnic Daniel Randa, Majority Leader Hon. Martin Otieno (Ugunja Ward), CECM for Health and Sanitation Dr. Martin K’Onyango, Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation Dr. Samuel Omondi, Director of Public Communication, Civic Education, and Petitions Chrispine Omondi, Director of Governance George Okello, and other Members of the County Assembly and officials.
The County Government of Siaya, through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts in collaboration with the Executive Office of the Governor, will roll out The Nyalore Governors Cup for football men. This will be a Countywide tournament for talents identification, talent exposure and creation of temporary job opportunities for the Youth – “Kandanda Mashinani, Pesa kwa Vijana!”. The tournament shall be played on weekdays for one month, the whole of December 2023. The one month long tournament will be launched by the Governor Siaya, James Orengo on 1st December 2023 at Sega Mixed Primary School starting at 9.00am. The final match will be played on 1st January, 2024, at the Migwena Sports Group.
