Murang’a, Monday, September 15, 2025 — Siaya Governor James Orengo has scored a major win ahead of the upcoming Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference (SITICO), after striking a strategic partnership with agricultural giant Kakuzi Kenya.
In a high-level meeting held at Kakuzi’s headquarters in Murang’a, Orengo and Kakuzi Managing Director Chris Flowers agreed on modalities for collaboration, with a keen focus on agriculture, value addition, and export opportunities.
The deal will see Kakuzi officially participate in SITICO 2025, slated for October 14–15 at the Siaya National Institute. The company pledged to extend technical support to Siaya farmers, particularly in avocado production, to help integrate them into the lucrative global export market.
“We want Siaya’s farmers to not only grow but also export. This partnership with Kakuzi will open markets, create jobs, and put money directly into the pockets of our people,” Orengo said after touring Kakuzi’s expansive avocado orchards.
Flowers echoed the Governor’s optimism, noting that Siaya’s climate and soils have “immense potential” for commercial avocado farming, which could rival Murang’a’s success if properly structured.
The Governor, accompanied by Acting CECM for Finance George Nyingiro, Trade CECM Grace Agola, Chief Officer Agriculture Dr. Elizabeth Adongo, and Chief of Staff Col (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna, undertook a detailed tour of Kakuzi’s farms and export facilities. The visit provided insights into Kakuzi’s globally recognized farming, packaging, and export systems.
The Bigger Picture: SITICO 2025
Governor Orengo has positioned SITICO 2025 as the county’s economic turning point, anchored on his Nayalore Manifesto. The blueprint prioritizes agriculture, value chains, and agro-industrial investments as pillars of rural transformation.
The trade conference — expected to be graced by President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga — will bring together local and international investors to showcase innovations and explore opportunities in agribusiness, green economy, and ICT.
Orengo said SITICO is not just about exhibitions, but about “signing real deals” that will bring industries, processing plants, and new jobs into Siaya. The county targets to diversify income generation, reduce dependency on primary production, and attract manufacturing into its rural economy.
According to World Bank indices for FY2024/25, regions that invest in value chains and agro-industrialization are projected to post the fastest growth in Kenya. Orengo is betting big that Siaya can ride that wave.
“Through SITICO, we are positioning Siaya as a serious business destination. With partners like Kakuzi on board, our dream of an agricultural revolution for our people is firmly on track,” the Governor emphasized.
The Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference 2025 will run for two days from October 14, bringing together investors, industries, and global partners.
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