Siaya town was on Monday the scene of rare political unity and economic optimism as top national and county leaders gathered for a high-powered Boda Boda Sacco Empowerment Fundraiser at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) grounds.
The event, led by Governor James Orengo, Deputy President Kindiki Kithure, Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga, and President William Ruto’s close ally Farouk Kibet, saw millions raised to uplift Siaya’s vibrant Boda Boda sector — a key driver of the county’s informal economy.
Governor Orengo, who contributed KSh 500,000, lauded the initiative as a testament to the growing collaboration between the national and county governments. He said the empowerment drive was a prelude to the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference, which begins on Tuesday, October 14, and will run until October 17, 2025.
“We are building an inclusive economy where every Siaya resident — from the fisherman to the Boda Boda rider — can take pride in meaningful participation,” Orengo said. “This partnership shows that development can unite us beyond politics.”
Deputy President Kindiki Kithure commended the leaders for joining hands to improve livelihoods and announced a raft of major national government projects worth over KSh 35 billion earmarked for Siaya County.
Among them is KSh 3.1 billion set aside for the Blue Economy initiative, aimed at improving fish landing sites across the county, including KSh 134 million for the Luanda Kotieno site. He also revealed that 25 modern markets worth KSh 4.5 billion are under construction across Siaya — in Ukwala, Bondo, Alego Usonga, and other towns — giving the county the highest number of new markets nationally.
Other key projects include KSh 1.5 billion for rural electrification, KSh 500 million for the facelift of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, and the enrollment of 430,000 Siaya residents under the Taifa Care (SHA) medical insurance program.
“Siaya is a key player in Kenya’s development story,” Kindiki said. “President Ruto and Raila Odinga are aligned in ensuring that no part of the country is left behind.”
The fundraiser saw generous contributions from across Kenya’s political spectrum. President William Ruto donated KSh 3 million, while ODM leader Raila Odinga contributed KSh 2.5 million. Deputy President Kindiki gave KSh 2 million, Farouk Kibet KSh 1 million, and Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga KSh 2 million.
Other contributors included National Treasury Cabinet Secretary (KSh 300,000), COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli (KSh 300,000), Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga (KSh 300,000), Speaker George Okode (KSh 100,000), and the Siaya Boda Boda Sacco (KSh 500,000).
Speaker George Okode used the platform to assure Boda Boda operators of legislative support, pledging that the Siaya County Assembly will prioritize policies and budgetary provisions to strengthen the sector.
“The Boda Boda industry employs thousands of young people and sustains families,” Okode said. “We will ensure it gets the recognition and resources it deserves.”
The event culminated in a renewed sense of unity and purpose, with leaders across political divides pledging to work together for Siaya’s prosperity. Governor Orengo emphasized that the county would leverage the upcoming investment conference to attract investors in agribusiness, ICT, manufacturing, and the blue economy, transforming Siaya into a regional hub of opportunity.
As the curtains came down on the day’s proceedings, one message rang clear — Siaya is on the rise, powered by collaboration, investment, and the shared dream of economic empowerment for all.
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