Siaya Governor James Orengo on Tuesday delivered a potent and forward-looking 3rd State of the County Address, setting out firm achievements, fiscal discipline gains, and an ambitious roadmap for the Nyalore administration.
The session, received by Speaker George Okode and Members of the County Assembly, began with a solemn minute of silence in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose legacy Orengo hailed as foundational to devolution and the fight against marginalisation.
Orengo affirmed that Siaya is now on an accelerated development trajectory, with inclusive growth targeting farmers, fisherfolk, jua kali artisans, youth and vulnerable groups. He highlighted four central pillars: healthcare, infrastructure, education and governance reforms.
Fiscal Discipline & Revenue Growth
For the first time, Siaya received robust and qualified audit opinions, earning praise from the Auditor-General and the Controller of Budget.
Own-source revenue grew to KSh 582 million in 2022/23 with an additional 20% growth in 2024.
Development spending increased from KSh 1.2 billion to KSh 1.3 billion.
Most pending bills have been cleared, with Orengo inviting further scrutiny of the balance.
To strengthen governance, the county has instituted performance contracts, automated salary systems, promotions, and capacity-building to close staffing gaps.
Devolution Gains & Digital Transformation
Nyalore has launched new sub-county headquarters in Yala, Ugenya and others to bring services closer to the people. Partnerships with Safaricom have accelerated digital migration and service automation. Siaya has also engaged in the Kenya Devolution Support Programme and expanded the Smart Start Siaya initiative benefiting children under five.
Agriculture, Blue Economy & Cooperatives
The county reports major strides in food production and rural livelihoods:
Fertilizers, seeds, 33,000 chicks, and over 500 livestock supplied.
Recruitment of 92 agricultural extension officers with motorcycles to boost productivity.
Revived cotton processing through the KSh 37M Madiany plant and completion of the KSh 72M Siriwo rice mill.
Expanded blue economy investments with fish cages, feeds, banders and modern boats, plus upgraded Luanda Kotieno and Wichlum landing sites.
Cooperative development received KSh 520M, boosting local enterprises and trade competitiveness, including jua kali representation in regional fairs.
Massive Health Investments
Orengo announced transformative healthcare milestones:
Groundbreaking of the KSh 500M, 500-bed Siaya County Referral Hospital.
New and upgraded facilities in Ugunja, Sigomre, Boro, Ukwala, Usigu, Bar Ndege and others, including Safaricom-supported labs.
Over 800 staff promoted and improved service delivery.
Major gains in public health: HIV prevalence dropped from 14% to 9.8%; child mortality reduced; and ECD programs now benefit 52,000 children.
Education infrastructure is expanding, highlighted by the Barkowino ECD Centre, now 52% complete. Orengo also acknowledged delays caused by national treasury digital reforms but promised faster procurement and urgent resolution of CRB concerns affecting county staff.
In closing, Orengo thanked the County Assembly and reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the Nyalore transformation agenda:
“Siaya is rising — and no one will be left behind.”
Leave a Reply