HOMA BAY, August 13, 2025 – Siaya Governor James Orengo on Tuesday took center stage during Plenum Two of the 9th Devolution Conference, delivering a bold and uncompromising address on human rights, democracy, and social justice.
Speaking to a packed hall at Homa Bay National School, Orengo reflected on Kenya’s long struggle for democratic freedoms and the protection of fundamental rights, urging leaders to remain steadfast in safeguarding the gains hard-won over decades.
Joining him in the session was Siaya’s First Lady, Ms. Betty Orengo, who delivered a keynote address under the theme “Investing in the Future: Promoting Nurturing Care for Early Childhood Education Development.” A leading champion of the Smart Start Siaya initiative, Ms. Orengo emphasized the transformative power of empowering caregivers through quality parenting, play, and positive interaction with children to ensure they achieve their full developmental potential.
She highlighted flagship projects such as breastfeeding centers in Ugunja, centers of excellence for Early Childhood Development (ECD) at Yala Referral Hospital and Bondo, and targeted empowerment and psychosocial support for adolescent mothers. She also credited the partnership with KMET (Kisumu Medical and Education Trust) for advancing efforts to establish sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) response centers in Yala.
One of Siaya’s signature achievements, she noted, has been the successful rollout of the school feeding program for ECD learners—Nyathi En Mwandu Porridge—aimed at boosting nutrition and school attendance among young children.
Maternal Health in Focus
Dr. Monica Ogutu, CEO of KMET, used the platform to highlight the “Big Five” causes of maternal mortality: unsafe abortion, sepsis, haemorrhage, obstructed labour, and eclampsia. Founded in 1995, KMET has been instrumental in reducing maternal deaths and promoting nurturing care for early childhood development within the Lake Region Economic Bloc.
A High-Profile Panel
The plenary featured a distinguished panel including Charlene Ruto, Bishop Prof. Godia of ACK Maseno South Diocese, LREB CEO Victor Gaya, and Dr. Ogutu, among others.
Siaya’s delegation was led by County Secretary and Head of Public Service Joseph Ogutu, alongside several County Executive Committee Members: Governance, ICT & Administration CEC Agunda Ochanda, Education & Youth CEC Dr. Edgar Otumba, Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries CEC Sylvester Kokoth, Trade CEC Grace Agola, Health CEC Dr. Martin Konyango, and Lands & Physical Planning CEC Maurice Otieno Mc’Orege.
Chief Officers present included Governance & ICT’s Hon. Walter Okelo, Education’s Richard Ogeda, Sports’ Judith Okoth, Energy’s Dr. Nicholas Kut, and County Public Service Board CEO Wilfred Nyagudi, together with several directors such as Public Communications’ Chrispine Omondi and Governance’s George Okelo.
The lively session underscored Siaya County’s commitment to championing human rights, improving maternal and child health, and investing in the next generation—setting a strong example for the Lake Region and beyond.
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