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Governor Orengo- NAVCDP Day in Siaya County
Siaya County intensifies agribusiness push through strategic investments in youth and farmer institutions
Siaya County Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a productive, profitable, resilient and inclusive agricultural economy through strategic investments in farmer institutions, irrigation, value addition and youth-driven agribusiness.
Speaking during the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) Day in Siaya County, Governor H.E. James Orengo presided over the issuance of cheques to Cooperative Societies, SACCOs and Farmer Producer Organizations, alongside flagging off personal protective equipment to all Siaya markets aimed at strengthening farmer support services across the county.
The event also marked the oathing of 150 Young Agripreneurs who will support agricultural extension services and farmer outreach at the grassroots level.
Governor Orengo said agriculture remains the backbone of Siaya’s economy, contributing nearly 60 percent of the county’s Gross County Product, equivalent to approximately KSh 9.2 billion annually.
“It is an important moment for reflection on whether agriculture can truly become the foundation of broad-based economic transformation in our county.
My answer is yes — but only if we move from viewing agriculture as a subsistence activity to recognizing it as a strategic economic sector driven by productivity, enterprise, resilience and markets,” said Governor Orengo.
The Governor noted that Siaya County is leveraging its fertile soils, reliable rainfall,Lake Victoria resources and hardworking farmers to unlock greater agricultural productivity through organization, investment and value addition.
He said the county has established Community Driven Development Committees across all 30 wards and onboarded 30 SACCOs and 13 Farmer Producer Organizations to strengthen farmer institutions and improve market coordination.
Support to SACCOs through inclusion grants exceeding KSh 25 million has enhanced governance,financial inclusion and access to affordable credit for farmers.
Governor Orengo further highlighted key investments under NAVCDP, including the construction of the Siriwo Rice Mill paddy curing and storage facility valued at over KSh 40 million and the Kogonga–Kayundi Irrigation Project valued at over KSh 29 million.
“These investments are not isolated interventions.They are part of a deliberate strategy to build a modern, resilient and commercially viable agricultural economy,” he said.
Adongo emphasized that agriculture must evolve beyond production to include markets, financing, value addition and strong institutions.
“Production without markets creates vulnerability.Production without value addition limits income.That is why we must emphasize organization, enterprise and market systems,” said Adongo.
Siaya County says it remains committed to working with the national government,development partners,private sector players and farmer institutions to expand irrigation,strengthen markets,promote agro-processing and support youth and women participation in agribusiness.
