By Sharon Onyango
Siaya Advances Health Transformation as County Hosts Presidential Tour
Siaya County is positioning itself as a regional hub for quality healthcare and development, with major investments under the Nyalore Administration’s nine-point development agenda taking centre stage during the National development tour of the County led by President Samoei Ruto.
The county’s transformation agenda is strengthening of the health sector, with the Siaya County Department of Health and Sanitation implementing strategic investments aimed at expanding access to quality, affordable and specialised healthcare services for residents.
A key highlight is the ongoing expansion of the Siaya County Referral Hospital, a flagship project that is set to transform the facility into a modern Level 5 hospital capable of providing advanced healthcare services to residents of Siaya and the wider Lake Region.
The Nyalore flagship project is co-founded by Siaya County and National Government, demonstrating a strong partnership towards improving healthcare infrastructure within the County.
The first phase of the project comprises construction and equipping of OPD at ground floor and inpatient unit of 250 bed capacity.
The development is currently at approximately 30 per cent completion, with the completed facility expected to significantly increase the hospital’s capacity to handle specialised and referral cases.
County Project Officer George Nyamwaji said the County is also seeking additional funding for the second phase of the development, which will focus on a dedicated Mother and Child Unit at an estimated cost of KSh 1.2 billion.
The proposed investment is expected to further strengthen maternal, newborn and child health services while reducing the need for residents to travel outside the county in search of specialised care.
The Referral Hospital expansion forms part of a broader health transformation programme being implemented across the county. Through the Nyalore Administration’s development agenda, the County Government continues to prioritise health infrastructure, human resources, essential medical services and partnerships that improve healthcare delivery at all levels.
The approach is anchored on bringing services closer to the people while strengthening referral systems and ensuring that health facilities have the infrastructure and capacity required to respond to the needs of a growing population.
The transformation of Siaya County Referral Hospital into a Level 5 facility is therefore more than an infrastructure project. It represents a long-term investment in the county’s healthcare system and its potential to serve as a referral centre for communities beyond Siaya.
With continued collaboration between two levels of Government , health development partners, Siaya is seeking to build a health system that is resilient, accessible and responsive to the needs of its people.
The County Government of Siaya was represented on behalf of Governor James Orengo by Acting CECM Health Prof. Jacqueline Oduol, accompanied by Chief Officer of Health, Dr. Omondi Owino, and County Project Officer George Nyamwaji.
The project is being undertaken by Plumbing Systems, as the main contractor, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) project manager team on the ground led by PS, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Patrick Mariru, alongside Brigadier Sokobe and Major Obwar and the Ministry of Health was represented by Dr. Hezron Omollo.