Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops will be deployed to Siaya County to oversee two critical infrastructure projects.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence through the Defence Cabinet Secretary, Soipan Tuya, the military will spearhead the construction of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium and the modernisation of the Siaya Level 5 Hospital.
The deployment of the troops to oversee the construction of the two facilities will not only boost the county’s infrastructural capacity but will also reinforce Siaya’s security.
A memorandum was signed between Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo and CS Soipan Tuya when the later paid a call to Department of Defence Headquarters on Wednesday June 11.
Speaking shortly after the discussion between the Siaya Governor and herself Soipan Tuya said they explored areas for collaboration between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Siaya County Government in infrastructure development and maritime security.
“MOD, through Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), will oversee the upgrading of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium to a 20,000-seater ultra-modern multi-sport facility and modernisation of the Siaya Level 5 hospital,” she also stated.
Kenya Defence Forces personnel have been deployed to oversee government initiatives such as infrastructural development, responding to emergencies and disasters, and participating in environmental conservation efforts locally and internationally.
Recently the military responded to a controlled demolition exercise involving a eleven-storey building at Kilifi Corner in Fayaz Estate of Mombasa.
Kenyan troops serving under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) participating in a community-led environmental clean-up exercise in Beni town, North Kivu Province.
Governor Orengo welcomed the idea of having KDF personnel in helping complete the hospital and stadium saying they are known for a high level of discipline, competence and commitment to duty.
He also hailed their presence along the maritime sector as a much-needed boost to security issues between fisher-folk and marauding gangs from a neighbouring country.
Orengo was accompanied by Siaya County CECM for Tourism, Culture, Sports and The Arts Ms Angeline Oduor, Chief of Staff Col (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna, and Chief Officer for Health Dr Samuel Omondi.
Also present were senior MOD and KDF officials led by Principal Secretary Dr Patrick Mariru and Chief of Infrastructure Brigadier Titus Sokobe.
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