SIAYA’S STERLING PERFORMANCE AT AFRICA SINGS FESTIVAL PROVES ITS ECO-TOURISM DRIVE
By Samson Wire
The County Government of Siaya’s outstanding choir prowess and performance at the week-long 9th edition of the Africa Sings Festival, held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, has demonstrated the Nyalore administration’s sustained efforts to boost eco-tourism and add value to the county’s cultural assets.
This value addition stems from ongoing cultural initiatives by the Department of Tourism, Sports, Culture and Arts, led by CECM Dr. Nicholas Kut Ochogo and Chief Officer Wilfred Nyagudi.
Early last month, Dr. Kut held a tourism consultative meeting with industry players. He engaged Siaya content creators, artists, galleries and influencers as partners the County Government can work with to advance its tourism master plan. The discussions covered visitations and familiarisation trips to key attraction sites, museums and mausoleums, including those at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Got Ramogi, Lake Kanyaboli and others.
At the Africa Sings Festival in Nairobi, the Siaya team performed with confidence and energy. They delivered solo verses and the choir song “Kenya Nchi Yetu,” which kept the audience in a joyful, enthusiastic mood. The solo verse was led by Jacinta, while the full choir performed “Kenya Nchi Yetu.” Juanita Adhiambo stood out in the female category.
Siaya overcame strong competition to secure two major awards: one silver and two bronze medals. South Africa took the set-piece category. The South African choir scored 90 points, while Siaya finished as runners-up with 75 points. Jacinta Adhiambo won a silver medal, showcasing her vocal ability and drawing traditional African chants and ululations from the audience, including the Siaya contingent.
In addition, the Siaya Dodo Cultural Troupe claimed silver in their category with an impressive 70 points. They surprised competitors, including the Ogande Girls, and emerged winners in the African dance category.
Key contributors to this success included Joseph Ochieng, Charles Milongo and choir mistress Ruth Omoga, who played crucial artistic and vocal roles. The delegation was led by County CECM for Sports, Culture and Arts Dr. Nicholas Kut, Sports Director Dr. Sanmac Okoth and Tourism counterpart Mr. Oreyo.
Dr. Sanmac Okoth and Dr. Kennedy Oreyo congratulated the teams for their splendid display of artistry and vocal talent. They urged the Nyalore administration to continue supporting, nurturing and developing talent while exploring new opportunities. Mr. Oreyo added that the County Government is already working to develop talent through sports academies and the establishment of sports infrastructure across Siaya.
Dr. Nicholas Kut and Chief Officer Wilfred Nyagudi have already launched an eco-tourism platform that brings industry players together for coordinated cultural initiatives aimed at broader revenue generation in the coming financial years.
Their tourism work plan focuses on natural, cultural and historical circuits. Central to this is Lake Kanyaboli, the second-largest oxbow lake in Kenya, covering about 1,000 hectares within the Yala Swamp ecosystem. It is a prime bird-watching destination, home to over 100 bird species and the rare sitatunga antelope. As a freshwater lake, it also holds potential for sustainable fisheries that could benefit local communities if properly harnessed.
The Yala Swamp itself offers opportunities for nature exploration, rare fish species and wildlife viewing. Other scenic sites include Usenge Beach, Uhanya Palm Beach and Uhendo (developed by a local Siaya entrepreneur), as well as Luanda Kotieno. Ndanu Falls stands out as another attractive natural site that adds to the county’s eco-tourism appeal.
Further attractions include the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, which houses Luo cultural artefacts, historical exhibits and the resting place of Kenya’s first Vice President. The recently constructed Raila Amollo Odinga Mausoleum honours the late former Prime Minister and opposition icon, who passed away on 15 October last year. Got Ramogi Hills, associated with Luo traditional leaders and cultural beliefs, is linked to ancestral migration stories and features the Got Ramogi Ajwang Cultural Home in Bondo.
Dr. Kut Ochogo noted that Siaya is richly endowed with tourist attraction sites that his department is actively developing for revenue generation, growth and job creation in areas such as arts and content creation. He encouraged the choir members to network widely and help attract more visitors to Siaya’s rich cultural sites. He also thanked the Nyalore administration under Governor James Orengo for its continued support of the sector, which is essential for continuity and economic prosperity.
Governor James Orengo’s Nyalore administration has identified sports and tourism as key economic pillars capable of generating income for the county’s growing youth population and citizens.
In collaboration with the National Government, the administration has initiated Phase Two of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, with KSh 1.2 billion earmarked for upgrades. Once completed, the facility is expected to generate additional revenue through local, national and international sporting events. It has also been identified as a potential tourism attraction site that could host FIFA-related games, with a talent academy wing planned for sports training and development. The expanded stadium will seat over 20,000 spectators (up from the current 5,500), and will feature VIP facilities, a helipad, an extended pavilion and a canopy. Dr. Kut said this development will serve as a gateway to the region’s tourism attractions, boost job creation and contribute to the county’s gross domestic product.
