Hon. David Ouma Ochieng, the Member for Ugenya Constituency, has affirmed his commitment to transforming Siaya County into an economic powerhouse by tapping into its abundant natural resources.
Ochieng, who has now served as an MP for three consecutive terms, says Siaya stands among Kenya’s richest counties, blessed with immense natural wealth that remains largely untapped. The legislator believes that with sound leadership and strategic investment, the county can unlock its full potential and create lasting prosperity for its people.
Speaking during a recent with people engagement, Ochieng highlighted that Siaya is home to six constituencies — Ugenya, Ugunja, Gem, Alego Usonga, Bondo, and Rarieda — each offering unique economic opportunities. He underscored that the region’s five major lakes — Victoria, Kanyaboli, Sare, Namboyo, and Usigu — can be harnessed to drive fishing, irrigation, and tourism ventures capable of transforming local livelihoods.
“Siaya is one of the richest counties in Kenya in terms of natural resources,” Ochieng said. “With the right leadership in place, and with focused planning, we can convert these blessings into wealth for our people through agriculture, tourism, and value addition.”
As the leader of the Movement for Development and Growth (MDG) party, Ochieng has been advocating for a new style of politics which is centered on service delivery and economic empowerment. The MDG’s vision emphasizes community-based growth, job creation, and inclusive leadership — a philosophy that has earned him growing support across the county and beyond.
A Political Heavyweight
Ochieng, who has declared interest in the Siaya gubernatorial seat in 2027, aims to unseat the current governor, James Orengo, who is a political heavyweight within the ODM party. His entry into the race is expected to inject fresh competition into Siaya’s political landscape, traditionally dominated by ODM.
He maintains that Siaya’s development has lagged behind because of overdependence on politics at the expense of productivity. According to him, it is time to move from rhetoric to tangible action.
“Our people are industrious and capable. All they need is leadership that focuses on production rather than endless political talk. We can make Siaya self-sustaining through agriculture, innovation, and trade,” he said.
Ochieng sees a county that prioritizes agribusiness, irrigation schemes, and small-scale industries to boost employment and local incomes. He also proposes modern fish-processing plants and market linkages to increase the value of fisheries, one of the county’s key resources.
His development-first message has continued to gain traction, particularly among youth and business-minded residents seeking a break from politics-as-usual. As the 2027 election approaches, observers believe that Ochieng’s MDG party could mount a strong challenge to ODM’s dominance in Siaya.
While Governor James Orengo remains a seasoned politician with a strong base, Ochieng’s campaign is expected to revolve around performance, innovation, and inclusivity — themes that resonate with many Siaya residents seeking change.
For Ochieng, the mission is clear: to make Siaya County a model of resource-based development where natural wealth directly translates into economic empowerment, better infrastructure, and improved quality of life.
