Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode has made a spirited last-minute appeal for investors, entrepreneurs, and residents to fully embrace the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference (SITICO 2025), which officially kicks off today, October 14, at the Siaya National Polytechnic Grounds — formerly the Siaya Institute of Technology.
Speaking during a live morning interview on KBC Radio, Okode urged participants and members of the public to attend the event, which runs until Friday, October 17, describing it as a golden opportunity for Siaya to showcase its economic potential and attract transformative investment.
“SITICO offers a platform for Siaya to take stock of its business engagement and open up new frontiers in trade, agriculture, and innovation,” Okode said, calling on investors to tap into the county’s vast potential in key sectors such as the blue economy, mining, and agriculture.
Highlighting the county’s natural endowments, the Speaker cited the expansive fishing and processing hubs in Usenge Beach, Luanda Kotieno, Wich Lum, and Asembo Bay, describing them as “untapped goldmines waiting for strategic partnerships.”
He further pointed to mineral deposits and extraction activities across Barding, Kogelo, Rarieda, Bondo, and East Gem-Ramula, noting that mining could become the next major economic driver if well-regulated and sustainably harnessed.
On agriculture, Okode underscored Siaya’s growing footprint in the value chain — from avocado and coffee farming in Ugenya, to fruit processing in Ramba, rice cultivation in Alego Usonga’s Siriwo, cotton in Madiany, and sunflower processing in Ugenya West-Aboke.
“With the right policy framework and proper legislation, Siaya can become a model agricultural county,” he said. “As the County Assembly, we are committed to enacting enabling laws and budgetary support to actualize Governor Orengo’s Nyalore development agenda.”
Okode, who presides over 30 MCAs — 28 of them from the ODM Party — pledged to leverage the assembly’s numerical strength to fast-track development-focused legislation and ensure effective oversight of public resources.
He commended Governor James Orengo’s administration for promoting good governance and promised legislative backing for flagship projects in agriculture, rural road expansion, clean water provision, healthcare infrastructure, and sports development.
Addressing the recent controversy surrounding alleged dismissal of healthcare workers, Okode clarified that due process was underway and that no unlawful termination had occurred.
“The County Assembly is seized of the matter. Affected staff have been invited to present their documents, and the process will be resolved constitutionally,” he assured.
The Speaker reiterated his commitment to represent all Siaya residents “without bias or political favoritism,” adding that the Assembly’s leadership “will defend the rights of all citizens.”
The SITICO 2025 Conference runs from October 14 to 17 and is open to the public. It is expected to bring together investors, local entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across Kenya and beyond. President William Ruto is scheduled to officially open the event on Thursday, while Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga will close it on Friday.
Governor James Orengo has expressed optimism that the conference will position Siaya as a first-class investment destination, spurring inclusive growth and prosperity for the region.
“Siaya’s time is now,” Okode concluded. “Let’s open our doors to the world and turn our potential into real progress.”
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