Siaya County gov't unveils ambitious Ksh.100 billion five-year plan

Siaya Governor James Orengo has unveiled a five-year County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP 2023-2027) worth Ksh.100 billion.

Speaking when he presided over the launch at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Governor Orengo said the third generation county master plan targets to increase productivity and improve service delivery in all sectors of the economy.

While stating that the Ksh.2 billion that Siaya County has been getting for development is not enough, the Governor revealed that to help in realization of the master plan they must now think of how they can raise adequate finances to carry out their development projects.

Orengo stated that, as a county, they intend to go out to seek for investments to be able to achieve the development plan, but maintained that this will only be possible if they also create an enabling environment for investment.

The Governor expressed optimism that all that is possible, saying that they do not necessarily have to be partners with the national government to be able to attract investors.

Speaking during the event, Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode called on the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) to release fund to the counties to enable them realize their development plans.

He stated that if indeed the CRA cares about devolution, then it should release funds based on the review as presented to them in the third generation CIDPs on the respective county governments across the country.

The occasion was also graced by former United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary General Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, who stated that for Siaya County to be able to attract investors, they must dispel the existing perception that the region is not fit for investment.