After months of silence and speculation about his political future, Governor James Orengo has bounced back in style, announcing the first-ever Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference (SITICO 2025). The four-day event, slated for October 14–17, 2025, marks a defining moment for Siaya County and a political reawakening for its governor, who is determined to reposition his region as an economic powerhouse.
In making the announcement, Orengo revealed that President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have both accepted invitations to grace the event. Their attendance is not only a major boost for the conference, but also a political statement that underlines Siaya’s readiness to host a global-standard investment forum. Orengo, who has kept a low profile in recent months, is stepping back into the limelight with what he describes as a flagship platform to attract tangible investments and create lasting transformation.
“This is a strong show of confidence in Siaya’s ability to host a global-standard investment forum,” Orengo declared. “This conference will not be about endless MOUs. We will showcase actual contracts and commitments signed with investors during those four days.”
Siaya County has long been viewed mainly through a political lens, often referred to as Raila Odinga’s stronghold and a hub of opposition politics. Orengo is determined to shift that narrative by turning Siaya into a serious destination for investors.
Through SITICO 2025, the county will highlight opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, tourism, and the blue economy. The governor emphasized that the focus will be on bankable projects and signed deals that move from intent to action, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
The potential is enormous. Siaya contributes just one percent of Kenya’s GDP, valued at around KSh 15.4 billion, with agriculture accounting for 60 percent of this output. Only eight percent of the county’s 7,150 hectares of irrigable land is currently in use, and Orengo has set an ambitious target to increase irrigation by 30 percent within the next five years. He believes that with investments in rice, cotton, and agro-processing, Siaya can quickly grow its agricultural economy.
The blue economy offers another frontier for growth. At present, the county has 65 hectares under fish farming across 1,800 ponds, but Orengo sees immense potential in cage fish farming on Lake Victoria.
“Our goal is simple: to move from intent to impact, from memorandum to machinery,” he said, underscoring his determination to deliver results.
Unlike many county conferences that end with promises and photo opportunities, SITICO 2025 has been structured to deliver impact. Its program will include plenary sessions, exhibitions, B2B deal rooms, investment roundtables, and site visits to priority projects. Orengo insists that by the time the conference ends, Siaya will have signed and unveiled real contracts with investors.
He also pointed to Siaya’s governance record as a key reason why investors should pay attention. The county has been ranked the third-best in timely contractor payments by the Controller of Budget, and listed among the least likely counties to solicit bribes by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. For Orengo, this track record is evidence that Siaya is a county where investment can thrive without unnecessary hurdles.
Observers note that the conference is more than just an economic forum. It represents Orengo’s political comeback after months of being away from the national stage. Bringing together Ruto and Raila in Siaya is no small feat, and analysts see it as proof that Orengo remains a central player in the national conversation. For Siaya residents, the conference is also a chance to finally see their governor shift focus from politics to tangible development.
For many in the county, SITICO 2025 is a chance to create opportunities for the youth and women, diversify the economy, and showcase Siaya as more than just a political stronghold. For Orengo, it is a chance to cement his legacy not only as a veteran lawyer and activist, but as a leader who oversaw Siaya’s transition into a serious investment hub.
“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 during the launch.
As the countdown to October begins, one thing is already clear: Governor James Orengo is back on the national stage, and he is determined to make Siaya a story of transformation, not just politics.
