The Sports Directorate has lauded Governor James Orengo for prioritizing the completion of phase I and part of Phase II work of Siaya County Stadium. The Director Sports, David Sanmac Okoth, appreciated Orengo for committing resources to implement part of the work that was designed for phase II. “The procurement and installation of the 2000 seats at the Pavilion was part of the Phase II work but Orengo has pushed it to phase one, the tantrums and flood lights were prioritized on phase II,” said Okoth. “We are doing a stand stadium approved by FIFA and other sports stakeholders who gave the project a clean bill of health. Auditors have also paid a visit to Siaya stadium. They came fed with a lot of fallacy, but in the end appreciated the directorate of sports for spending resources prudently,” said Okoth.
Addressing media at Siaya stadium grounds, Okoth said the name of the project will be out after the ongoing public participation on the proposed names is complete. “The name of the stadium is at advanced stage of approval. One of the things we are doing as final touches with regards to the stadium project is the inscription of its name which will be availed on the date of Launching,” said Okoth. He said the stadium will be named after one of many respected heroes in the county. Governor Orengo had proposed that the 20,000 capacity stadium whose construction is ongoing be named in honor of the doyen opposition leader Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Orengo had asked Speaker George Okode and MCA’s to initiate a public participation for the public to give input on the proposed name. The County boss said if the public endorses it, the motion debated and approved in the assembly, the facility will be named in honor of Jaramogi. “Once it is approved by stakeholders, there will be no qualms if the stadium is named after Jaramogi,” said Orengo. By doing so, we reflect on the enduring legacy of a man who played a pivotal role in the nation's struggle for independence.
“The official opening of the project will take place when its complete and we are optimistic that any day after August 31st 2024, the project will be launched,” added Orengo. Governance Chief Officer Walter Okello said Governor Orengo has reached out to Yanga FC from Tanzania to play against Gor Mahia FC during the launch of the stadium. “WE are reaching out to international teams as a strategy of marketing the stadium and once launched, The FIFA teams would now prioritize it as one of the fields that should be embraced for sporting activities. The Governor is keen on promoting talents and the field would be avenue for local and international clubs to scout for those gifted with talents,” said Okello adding that last year, Gov. Orengo awarded the best teams that participated at Governors Cup tournament hosted at Migwena Cultural Grounds.
ODM leaders led by Rarieda MP, SC Otiende Amolo, hailed the governor for reviving the construction of the sports facility that, he noted, had stalled for some time due to various procurement issues. The Rarieda Legislator had said that as the captain of Bunge FC, he will ensure that the team, together with another from within the East Africa region graces the official opening ceremony. “The works and fittings are impressive and the pavilion is bigger than any other outside Kasarani stadium” noted Otiende Amolo.