Governor James Orengo has staged a dramatic return to the national stage with the launch of the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference (SITICO 2025), a first-of-its-kind economic forum that will run from October 14 to 17 in Siaya County.
The announcement puts Orengo firmly back in the spotlight after months of relative silence, with the veteran politician now positioning himself as a development-focused leader intent on turning Siaya into an investment hub. The governor confirmed that both President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will attend the conference, calling their acceptance “a powerful endorsement of Siaya’s readiness to host a global-standard investment event.”
“This is our flagship platform to position Siaya as a key destination for investment and enterprise. It is not about endless memorandums of understanding—it will be about signed contracts and real deals that will change lives,” Orengo told journalists at the launch.
For decades, Siaya has been defined by politics, often viewed as Raila Odinga’s stronghold rather than an economic center. Orengo’s new push through SITICO 2025 is aimed at rewriting that narrative by placing agriculture, manufacturing, energy, tourism, and the blue economy at the core of the county’s development agenda. His message is clear: Siaya must now be recognized for its economic potential, not just its political symbolism.
The governor pointed out that Siaya currently contributes one percent of Kenya’s GDP—about KSh 15.4 billion—with agriculture accounting for 60 percent of this. However, only eight percent of the county’s irrigable land is being utilized. Orengo wants to expand irrigation by 30 percent within five years, while unlocking new opportunities in rice, cotton, and agro-processing. He also highlighted the untapped potential of Lake Victoria, where cage fish farming could transform the region’s blue economy.
“Our goal is simple: to move from intent to impact, from memorandum to machinery,” Orengo said, underscoring his vision of turning SITICO into a conference with measurable outcomes.
Unlike many county events that end in promises, SITICO 2025 is being marketed as a forum of substance. The program will feature keynote speeches, sectoral sessions, investment roundtables, B2B deal rooms, exhibitions, and site visits to priority projects. Orengo stressed that some contracts will be signed and unveiled during the event itself.
Governance and accountability will also be part of Siaya’s pitch. The county has been ranked by the Controller of Budget as the third-best in timely contractor payments and praised by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission for its relatively low risk of graft. Orengo said these achievements prove Siaya is a safe place for investors.
Political observers note that the conference is not just about economics but also about Orengo’s resurgence. After a period of political quiet, SITICO 2025 has re-energized his leadership profile and positioned him at the heart of Kenya’s investment and development conversations. By bringing both Ruto and Raila to Siaya, Orengo is sending a message that his county can bridge political divides in the pursuit of progress.
For Siaya residents, SITICO 2025 is being touted as a chance to attract jobs, infrastructure, and opportunities for youth and women. For Orengo, it is a chance to leave a legacy of tangible transformation rather than just political rhetoric.
“Join us in Siaya County for trade, tourism, and investment opportunities. This is the moment to unlock Siaya’s potential and build a prosperous future together,” Orengo urged investors.
With the countdown to October already underway, SITICO 2025 is shaping up to be more than just a conference. It is both an economic breakthrough for Siaya and a political statement: James Orengo is back, and he is betting on trade and investment to secure his legacy.
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