As the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference (SITICO 2025) officially opens at the Siaya National Polytechnic grounds, county executives and the SITICO Steering Committee made a spirited appeal to local and international investors to plug into Siaya’s fast-evolving investment landscape — calling it “Kenya’s next investment frontier.”
Speaking at a joint media briefing ahead of the four-day conference, the leaders outlined key priority sectors aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), targeting high-return value chains in agriculture, blue economy, trade, ICT, and green growth.
Billions Flowing into the Blue Economy
Environment, Water and Irrigation CEC Prof. Jacqueline Oduol announced that the county, in partnership with the national government, is currently implementing KSh 2.5 billion worth of blue economy projects across Luanda Kotieno, Wich Lum, Usenge Beach, and Asembo Bay.
“These interventions are transforming Siaya’s lakefront from traditional fishing hubs into modern maritime economic zones. We’re inviting investors to partner with us in port infrastructure, fish processing, and sustainable aquaculture,” Prof. Oduol said.
She added that the county’s 3,000-square-kilometre land and water coverage provides enormous potential for irrigation, eco-tourism, and climate-smart agriculture, urging investors to seize the opportunity in green climate ecosystems and sustainable resource mining.
Agriculture and Food Security: The New Growth Engine
Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries CEC Sylvester Kokoth said Siaya is prioritizing value addition in cotton, poultry, and rice production.
“Our Siriwo rice project is already producing Grade 1 and 2 rice, boosting local food supply and reducing dependence on imports,” Kokoth noted, emphasizing that agriculture remains the backbone of Siaya’s rural transformation.
He invited investors to consider agro-processing industries that could turn Siaya into a regional food basket, adding that the industrial revolution begins at the county level through smart partnerships.
Human Capital: Investing in the Future
Education, Youth, and Vocational Training CEC Edga Otumba highlighted the county’s strides in youth empowerment through vocational training centers and technological skill hubs.
“Free fortified porridge in ECD centers has improved enrolment, while model early learning complexes are being rolled out in every sub-county. We’re not just feeding children — we’re feeding the future workforce,” Otumba remarked.
He emphasized that skilled youth are crucial to sustaining investor confidence, citing ongoing collaboration with private training institutions to align courses with emerging industrial needs.
Governance and Policy: Creating an Investor-Friendly Climate
Governance, ICT, and Administration CEC Agunda Ochanda assured investors of robust governance frameworks, enhanced security, and clear policy direction to foster a conducive investment environment.
“Our administration has strengthened local laws to protect investments and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. We’re open for business — and ready for partners who believe in sustainable growth,” Ochanda stated.
Tourism and Heritage: Rediscovering Siaya’s Hidden Gems
In her address, Prof. Oduol also spotlighted Siaya’s tourism potential, urging investors to explore historical and natural attractions such as Got Ramogi Hills, Yala Swamp, and Lake Victoria’s scenic islands.
“These are not just tourist sites — they are cultural and ecological assets waiting to be developed into globally competitive destinations,” she added.
SITICO 2025: A Call to Action
SITICO Co-Chair Victor Nyangaya closed the session with a rallying call to all delegates, investors, and development partners:
“This is not just another conference. It’s a marketplace of ideas and partnerships. We invite every participant to engage, explore, and identify areas where we can collaborate to industrialize Siaya.”
He underscored that the theme — “Positioning Siaya as an Investment Destination” — reflects a long-term vision to transform the county into a regional industrial hub.
A County on the Cusp of Transformation
The media address painted a clear picture: Siaya is no longer waiting for investment — it is ready for it.
With strategic projects, policy stability, and a skilled youth base, the Nyalore administration appears determined to turn Siaya from a political stronghold into an economic powerhouse on the shores of Lake Victoria.
As SITICO 2025 unfolds from October 14–17, all eyes now turn to Siaya — where ambition meets opportunity, and where the next billion-shilling idea may just be born.
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