In a show of solidarity, Siaya County leaders and businessmen were hosted by President William Ruto at the State House in Nairobi earlier today.
This meeting comes after months of political imbroglio pitting the administration led by Governor James Orengo, local leaders, and the national government.
During the event, President Ruto pledged that the government would invest Sh5.1 billion in a major agricultural and infrastructure development project across Siaya County.
He emphasised that this investment aims to significantly transform the lives of local residents and those in neighbouring counties.
To enhance the region’s Blue Economy, Dr. Ruto announced that Sh1 billion will be allocated to develop the Usenge Pier and attendant port in Bondo Sub-County.
Additionally, 16 modern markets will be constructed at a cost of Sh2.5 billion.
“The construction of five markets is currently ongoing and four have been advertised. We will build a big one in Siaya and Bondo towns, and two other major municipalities after consultation and concurrence with the county government,” Dr Ruto assured.
Over 16,000 households are also set to be connected to electricity, with an investment of Sh1.6 billion.
These initiatives are designed to stimulate entrepreneurship, creating various job opportunities for youth and women.
“My administration is focused on serving all citizens across the country, regardless of their tribe, race, religion, or political affiliation,” he stated while outlining the Bottom-Up Transformative Agendas (BETA) set for the area.
Leading the delegation, Governor Orengo urged Dr. Ruto to assist the people of Siaya in transforming their agricultural, infrastructure, and entrepreneurial sectors.
“Siaya County used to grow coffee and cotton, but issues with marketing and brokerage led to its decline,” he said, referencing ongoing and upcoming National Government projects in the county.
Back to the political fold
Turning back to political relations, in April, during the funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s longtime personal aide, George Oduor, Orengo criticised the president on his development approaches and the broad-based agreement.
His firm stance against the ODM party’s political dalliance with the ruling UDA party strained relations with party bigwigs and the national government.
In the lead-up to the House on the Hill meeting, Governor Orengo also met with National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to discuss key development projects planned for Siaya.
During the gathering at State House, Orengo noted that they also explored various development-centred partnership opportunities.
“These efforts are aimed at strengthening collaboration between the National and County governments, fostering inclusive development, and enhancing service delivery for the people of Siaya,” he stated.
Orengo has learnt to be a realist, like Marx Kulamo, in Chinua Achebe’s magnum opus: A man of the people. Taking an idealist stance is good but does not always work within our context.