Siaya County has marked a major milestone in its public health agenda as Governor James Orengo secured medical equipment worth over Ksh. 50 million, aimed at strengthening the county's fight against Tuberculosis (TB) and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
In a significant boost to TB detection and management, Governor Orengo received two state-of-the-art digital portable X-ray machines equipped with artificial intelligence. The machines, valued at Ksh. 33 million and donated by the Centre for Health Solutions , will be stationed at Sigomere and Akala Sub County Hospitals. These high-tech tools are designed to deliver rapid, accurate chest x-ray analyses, helping identify TB cases more efficiently in a region where the TB prevalence rate (320 per 100,000) exceeds the national average.
The deployment of these machines is well-timed, coinciding with the recent posting of a radiographer at Sigomere Hospital and coordinated support efforts in Akala by staff from Bondo. This move underscores the Nyalore administration’s strategic investment in both technology and human resource development as part of its commitment to a TB-free county by 2030.
In a parallel effort, the county’s healthcare capabilities were further enhanced through a generous Ksh. 17.5 million donation from Amref Health Africa. Handed over by Deputy Country Director Mr. Gilbert Wangalwa, the donation includes essential diagnostic equipment and reagents to tackle NTDs such as schistosomiasis (bilharzia), soil-transmitted helminths, and others. Key items include an Olympus compound microscope, diagnostic ultrasound devices, and teaching microscopes aimed at fortifying diagnosis and improving referral systems across 31 health facilities.
Additionally, 210 bicycles were donated to Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Ugunja, Ugenya, and Gem sub-counties by World Bicycle Relief, through Amref-GSK. This initiative recognizes and supports the critical role CHPs play in delivering primary healthcare, especially in hard-to-reach areas, and strengthens the county’s malaria response.
Governor Orengo expressed heartfelt appreciation for the collaborative support from health partners, noting that these contributions align with Siaya’s vision for a stronger, more equitable healthcare system. Mr. Wangalwa reiterated Amref’s commitment to ensuring no patient is left behind, aligning with their broader strategy to eliminate NTDs and malaria across Kenya.
Together, these landmark investments signal a transformative chapter for Siaya County’s healthcare sector empowering frontline health workers, enhancing disease detection, and moving closer to the goal of universal health coverage.
The County Government of Siaya, through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts in collaboration with the Executive Office of the Governor, will roll out The Nyalore Governors Cup for football men. This will be a Countywide tournament for talents identification, talent exposure and creation of temporary job opportunities for the Youth – “Kandanda Mashinani, Pesa kwa Vijana!”. The tournament shall be played on weekdays for one month, the whole of December 2023. The one month long tournament will be launched by the Governor Siaya, James Orengo on 1st December 2023 at Sega Mixed Primary School starting at 9.00am. The final match will be played on 1st January, 2024, at the Migwena Sports Group.
