By Samson Waganda
and Sandra Blessings
Siaya Governor James Orengo has engaged his age-long political activism gears to make the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference a success.
The conference is scheduled for this month in Siaya and has attracted both local and international investors.
Known for his activism antics and rallying the masses to public demonstrations and rallies, Orengo is exploiting the skills to raise funds, woo investors, and mobilise the public to support the conference.
In the nest are President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, both Speakers of the Houses, Moses Wetang’ula and Amason Kingi, international and local exhibitors, investors, among others.
In Kenya’s history of political struggle and activism, Orengo remains one of the pillars and was arrested and detained several times for his engagement in the demand for constitutional reforms.
Currently, Orengo has given politics a wide berth as he engages in rallying support and raising funds for the investment conference.
Interestingly, Orengo even avoided the recent ODM primary for Ugunja Constituency to concentrate on the planning for the conference.
Orengo wrote on his X handle: “Today, I met with strategic investors Mr Sarit Shah and Mr Ariff Shamji of Kipenzi Sugar Company Ltd, together with my CECMs for Trade, Finance, and Agriculture, where we discussed their plans to establish a 1250 TCD sugar processing facility at Mur Malanga in South East Alego. The investors have already secured 70 acres of land, and the feasibility study covering technical, financial, and market aspects has been completed, positioning this project as a transformative investment for Siaya’s agricultural sector.
Asante Speaker Amason Kingi for confirming your participation in SITICO 2025 set for 14–17th October. Your presence adds great value to the conference.
Made a courtesy call on Dr Ben Kajwang, CEO of Kenya College of Insurance, who graciously affirmed the institution’s participation in the forthcoming Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference. Siaya is the destination this October, and we welcome all to be part of this transformative event.
Honoured to receive a Sh5m boost from Lap Fund, joining us as a Silver Partner for the upcoming SITICO 2025. From 14–17th October at Siaya National Polytechnic, SITICO will bring together government, private sector, and community voices to chart new pathways of growth for Siaya and beyond.
Had a great conversation with CS Mutahi Kagwe on the ministry’s participation in the upcoming investment conference. His support affirms agriculture’s vital role in Siaya’s growth. Excited for the insights and collaborations ahead of our farmers.
This morning, I met with the Shabta Gold team, behind the West Kenya Gold Project, to discuss the upcoming SITICO 2025. I’m glad to share they’ll be partnering with us as we position the county for transformative growth.”
Orengo has widened his appeal to talk shows, rallying for support and calling for packed attendance for the upcoming SITICO event that will feature several business and investment ideas for the benefit of the county and the region.
Orengo has been hopping from one vernacular radio station to another, both in Nyanza and Nairobi, to interact with the public and build confidence.
“The conference provides us with the opportunity to explore and exploit the abundant economic, investment, and trade opportunities in Siaya County. I challenge you all to be part of this great and historic moment,” he said.
Orengo has held several business executives and partnership meetings where he has signed bids for Silver Partnerships, bagging millions for the facilitation of the investment forum that will see Siaya feature on the map of Kenya and the region in terms of investment revolution.
