The County Government of Siaya, led by Governor James Orengo, together with Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Chief Executive Officer of Safaricom PLC, today commissioned a state-of-the-art maternity hospital at Ting are Health Centre in Sigomere Ward, Ugunja Sub-County.
The M-Pesa Foundation will fully sponsor the facility’s construction. Once completed, it will feature a laboratory, nutrition room, kitchen, pharmacy, labour ward, postnatal room, and triage area, among other amenities.Designed to serve over 8000 residents, the hospital will promote safe and sustainable deliveries for expectant mothers. The inclusion of modern facilities, such as laboratories, will also enhance the diagnosis and treatment of ailments, improving healthcare outcomes for the community.
Governor Orengo pledged to expand the development of health facilities across other sub-counties to improve health services and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. He also announced that Safaricom will provide bed facilities for the new hospital. According to Gov. Orengo, the facility currently conducts 16 deliveries per month and when once completed will triple the service.
Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, announced plans to install electricity and boreholes at the facility to ensure its sustainability. He committed to addressing network connectivity issues in the area promptly, adding that the M-Pesa Foundation aims to upgrade the hospital to a Level 4 facility in the future. “We will connect this region fully,” the CEO declared. He also encouraged residents to continue using M-Pesa services to support their businesses.
Earlier, Governor Orengo welcomed Dr. Ndegwa and officials from the M-Pesa Foundation to his office in Siaya town.Karen Basiye, Head of Sustainable Business and Social Impact at Safaricom stated that beyond healthcare investments, the Foundation has launched an education program. This initiative aims to establish model Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers across all counties by mid-2026. She added that the Foundation is also focused on equipping Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions with digital skills, with the goal of positioning Kenya as a leading purpose-driven tech hub in Africa.Gunnilla Ouko, Territory Business Lead for the Kisumu Region at Safaricom reaffirmed Safaricom’s commitment to enhancing connectivity in Siaya. She highlighted 13 sites earmarked for improvement, including Akala, Got Osimbo, Dondi, Ambira, Ugunja, and the Bondo/Siaya junction, among others.
Last year, the County in partnership with M-Pesa Foundation also commissioned the construction of a new maternity ward and a laboratory in Nyang’u Health Centre in West Ugenya Ward. Nyalore Administration continues to explore strategic collaborations with key partners like Safaricom and Mpesa Foundation. The ongoing partnership marks a significant step towards improving maternal health services and providing laboratory services for accurate and timely diagnosis of diseases.
Today’s event, the Governor was accompanied by County Secretary Mr. Joseph Ogutu, CECMs Dr Martin K’Onyango ( Health and Sanitation), Mrs. Grace Agola ( Trade, Enterprise and Industrial Development) Mr. Maurice Otieno Mc'Orege ( Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development), Dr. Edgar Otumba ( Education, Youth Affairs, Gender and Social Services) Chief Officer Health Dr. Samuel Omondi, Director of Public Communication Mr. Chrispine Omondi among other officials.