Orengo to Ruto: Please help transform Siaya

Siaya Governor James Orengo has pleaded with President William Ruto to help in transforming his county economically.

Orengo said that if the government invests in agriculture and cotton farming in Siaya, it will change the lives of the residents.

He spoke on Thursday during a meeting with President Ruto, who hosted a delegation of leaders and businessmen from Siaya County at State House, Nairobi.

“Please come to our aid in transforming Siaya because where agriculture is having impact in society, what the national government invests in infrastructure and direct investment into enterprise can positively change the life of communities,” Orengo said.

The Governor said agriculture and the blue economy are the top sectors in general, transforming the county and Kenya.

“Siaya used to grow coffee, and we were happy to receive Cooperatives and MSMES Development CS Wycliffe Oparanya, who had a session with the farmers. Issues of marketing and brokerage brought coffee farming to an end. Coffee and cotton were being grown in Siaya.

Orengo said that agriculture has played a huge role in transforming Siaya County, pledging to work with the government in attaining the agriculture objective.

The Governor said they discussed the ongoing and upcoming National Government projects in the county.

"We explored partnership opportunities aimed at strengthening collaboration between the National and County Governments to foster inclusive development and enhance service delivery for the people of Siaya."

During the meeting, Ruto said the government would invest one billion in the development of the Usenge Pier and related port infrastructure, to boost the blue economy in the region.

The President briefed them on key government projects earmarked for the region.

''We will invest Sh1 billion to develop the Usenge Pier and the attendant port infrastructure to stimulate the blue economy in the region," Ruto stated.

He also revealed that the government plans to construct 16 modern markets across the country at 2.5 billion, to enhance trade and support local businesses.

Ruto announced that 1.6 billion had been allocated to connect more than 16,000 households to electricity, a move he said was aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and improving livelihoods.