The County Government of Siaya, led by Governor James Orengo, welcomed Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Roselinda Soipan Tuya, for the launch of two significant infrastructure projects in health and sports. The projects align with President William Ruto’s commitment to enhancing maternal healthcare and other critical services in the county.
The launch included the Phase II upgrade of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium and Siaya Level 5 Hospital. Construction, supervised by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), and will commence following the groundbreaking. The upgrade of the stadium will increase seating capacity from 5000 to 20,000 and introduce modern features, including:
• Cantilever beam structures to support the stadium walls, using steel and wooden materials.
• Reinforced pavilion areas with additional seating for national and international matches and events.
• Carbonated glass for enhanced security for dignitaries.
• Expanded terraces, additional changing rooms, cloakrooms, and improved sanitation facilities.
• Enhanced lighting for late-night matches and activities.
• A canopy to shield spectators from rain and sun.
• A helipad for dignitaries to avoid traffic disruptions.
Siaya Level 5 Hospital will feature advanced facilities to improve healthcare delivery, including:
• Modern medical technology and increased capacity.
• High-capacity standby power generators to ensure uninterrupted services, such as newborn nurseries and oxygen supply for critical conditions.
• A secure parking lot for easier vehicle movement, including emergency ambulances.
• Modern MRI centers, cancer treatment facilities, an expanded accident and emergency wing, a blood bank, and advanced laboratories.
• An enlarged maternity wing to serve Siaya and neighboring counties.
• Accessibility ramps for people with disabilities, green spaces for patient recovery, and lactation rooms for mothers.
Hon. Tuya emphasized that these projects reflect President Ruto’s commitment to affordable universal healthcare and other development initiatives in Siaya, such as the affordable housing project near Siaya County Referral Hospital and a sports academy in Ugenya Sub-County. Plans for a sports academy in Nyilima, East Asembo Ward, are also underway to nurture young talent. She assured that the national and county governments will collaborate to complete the projects within 10 months, depending on the pace of work.
Governor Orengo expressed gratitude to President Ruto for fast-tracking the projects and highlighted ongoing collaborations, including affordable housing and blue economy initiatives. He urged timely release of funds and called for the completion of the surgical unit at Siaya County Referral Hospital. Orengo also announced an upcoming groundbreaking for Usenge Port in two weeks.
Rt. Hon. George Okode, Speaker of the County Assembly, commended the national-county government partnership and its visible results. Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, praised Siaya’s 40.7% enrollment in the Social Health Authority and encouraged further participation. He also recognized the governor’s efforts in developing Mur Malanga, Urenga, and equipping Madiany Sub-County Hospital. Hon. Tuya advocated for empowering Community Health Workers to extend healthcare to grassroots levels.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to its campaign pledges under the Bottom-Up Economic Model and Governor Orengo’s Nyalore Administration vision.
The event was attended by Principal Secretaries Dr. Patrick Mariru (Defence) and Elijah Mwangi (Sports), First Lady Mrs. Betty Orengo, County Secretary Joseph Ogutu, and several MCAs, including Sylus Madingu (Central Gem) and host MCA Hon. James Otare. County officials present included Siaya County Public Service Board Chairman Eng. Collins Juma, CECMs Dr. Martin K’Onyango (Health and Sanitation), Agunda Ochanda (Governance, Administration, and ICT), Sylvester K’Okoth (Agriculture, Livestock, Food Security, and Fisheries), Grace Agola (Trade, Enterprise, Industrialization, and Cooperatives), Dr. Edgar Otumba (Education, Gender, Youth Affairs, and Social Services), and Prof. Jacqueline Oduol (Environment, Water, Irrigation, Climate Change, and Natural Resources). Chief Officers, led by Hon. Walter Okelo (Governance, Administration, and ICT), and directors, including Chrispine Omondi (Public Communications, Civic Education, and Petitions) and Dr. Sanmac Okoth (Sports), were also present, alongside technical teams from both county and national governments overseeing the projects.