Siaya county government has unveiled its County Integrated Development Program (CIDP) that will guide the implementation of development projects on time and within the budget in the next five years.
The Sh200 billion CIDP is largely focused on achieving industrialization by transforming the region’s economic structure of subsistence farming to agricultural led industrialization.
Besides mechanization of agriculture and improving extension services which are spelt out in the plan, the county government also has elaborate plans to encourage and attract youth in to the agricultural sector.
The county government will fund the five-year plan form equitable share of Sh44 billion, conditional allocation of Sh1.67 billion and own source revenue of Sh4.6 billion totaling to Sh50 billion, leaving a shortfall of Sh150 billion, which is expected to be sourced from investors, development partners and credit facilities.
Speaking during the unveiling of the mega plan at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Siaya governor James Orengo said the unveiling of the CIDP would encourage all stakeholders to have a conversation on the implementation of the development plan.
Orengo stated that despite being endowed with natural resources and human capital, Siaya has continued to large behind in terms of development and the CIDP, which is anchored on agriculture is expected to be used as the blue print for industrialization of the county.
“We have countries like Mauritius, whose economy is anchored on agriculture, which was largely a one crop country and is slowly transforming into an economic power house. I believe that with all the resources in Siaya, we can do it,” he said.
The governor observed that the successful implementation of the CIDP will largely depend on the county’s ability to attract and retain investors, adding that with a Sh2 billion development budget disbursed by the National Treasury annually, the county would face a huge challenge in achieving its plans.
“We have to go out there and seek investors and when we are seeking investors, we have to create an enabling environment for the investors to consider our county as an investment destination. What we get from the government cannot make us access the resources we need to make a turnaround in Siaya.” Orengo said.
He disclosed that the county government is working round the clock to create the required enabling environment for investors, adding that his recent trips to Egypt and India would soon bear fruits for the people of Siaya.
“We do not have to depend on the national government. We can get the investors on our own and with my visit to Cairo and India, we have begun conversations that would be fruitful so long as we create the enabling environment for the investors,” Orengo stated.
He lauded the Council of Governors (CoG) for leading the conversation on allocation in the counties to push the government to honor the constitution by releasing more funds to support devolution.
The unveiling of CIDP was graced by the former United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary General Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi who challenged Siaya government to change the narrative about the county if they want to attract investors.
Dr. Kituyi stated that the maltreatment of the “Dominion farms” investor in the county creates a dented image and unless the county changes its narrative and assures investors of reforms and that they will be treated better, Siaya will struggle to attract investor.
“Investors out there will definitely ask for recommendations from previous or existing investors before they invest their money. With investor like the Dominion Farms who exited the county acrimoniously it would be a struggle if Siaya does not change the narrative” he remarked.
He also encouraged the county government to sensitize some of the locals in Siaya County to allow people from outside the region to do investment within their localities without frustrating and interfering with them.
“Investors do not have to come from outside Kenya, even individuals from other communities in Kenya can be investors, but instead of investing in Siaya town they would rather go to Bondo or Gem towns because the locals in Siaya town are not receptive. This is known fact which you (county government) must handle” Dr. Kituyi added.
The former UNCTAD secretary general asked the county government of Siaya to partner with neighboring counties like Busia, Kisumu, Homa bay and Migori counties to harness the potential of blue economy in Lake Victoria to achieve economic growth.
Dr. Kituyi said he county also has a huge potential in the Orange economy (arts and sports), which if explored and natured has the potential of creating employment opportunities and transforming the economy of the region.
The occasion was attended by host of other leaders including Siaya county assembly speaker George Okode and the host university vice chancellor Prof. Emily Akuno.
By Brian Ondeng
