Tourism Sector Harvests Big In Siaya County Budget

By  Musalia Wycliffe.

The tourism sector in Siaya County will be the biggest beneficiary after the county government set aside Ksh 60 million to boost tourism activities.

Siaya County government has set aside the amount in the Financial Year 2015/2016 to promote tourism and tourism related activities across the county.

According to the County Chief Officer for Tourism and ICT Joseph Ogutu, the money will go a long way in improving tourism infrastructure and upgrading potential tourist attraction sites such as Lake Kanyaboli, Got Ramogi, and Mama Sarah Obama’s home among others.

"Investors have not yet shown interest in partnering with the county government on issues of tourism despite the availability of vibrant tourism attraction sites and this calls for the need to attract them," said Mr. Ogutu.

PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

He disclosed that the county government will hold a tourism investment contest to bring on board people with interest in the tourism sector.

Mr. Ogutu has assured that the county is ready to give out incentives to persons who are willing to invest in the neglected sector.

He urged Siaya residents to take advantage of the opportunity to invest by partnering with the County government under Public Private Partnership.

The Chief Officer, who was speaking in Siaya town, further stated that due to the intensive capital nature of developing the tourism sector, the county government is seeking to work in partnership with tourist agencies both public and private.