The County Government of Siaya will today Friday 1 August, 2025 host the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Defense, Dr. Patrick Mariru, and his Medical Services counterpart, Dr. Ouma Oluga ahead of a planned military deployment to fast-track upgrading of two facilities.
Yesterday at the Governor’s boardroom senior county officers led by the County Secretary Joseph Ogutu (standing in for the Governor) held a consultative session with officers from the Ministry of Defence ahead of the crucial engagement this morning.
During the consultative session County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation, Dr. Martin K’Onyango proposed upgrading VIP amenities, establishing an oncology wing for cancer treatment, an oxygen supply area for emergencies, an MRI center, an expanded emergency area with an open drop-off point, county offices, and a mother-and-child unit with designated drop-off areas.
While the county administration expressed appreciation for the National Government’s efforts, they still felt support for additional services should be provided especially in the area of cancer treatment units and isolation facilities for managing emerging diseases. They also committed to securing more funding to support these enhancements.
The KDF team assured the inclusion of ramps for people with disabilities and special interest groups, a helipad, and facilities to support the hospital’s role as a teaching and referral center for training and research. They also promised to refine the incinerator design for improved functionality.
For the Phase Two upgrade of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, the KDF proposed extending the terraces by adding five more, increasing seating capacity to accommodate larger crowds for future games and international events.
The design includes a VIP pavilion with four parking areas, an extension of terraces from five to seven with an overlapping structure, and the use of durable, weather-resistant woven fiberglass to cover the terraces.
Additional features include more toilet facilities, a cantilever design for uninterrupted views during soccer matches, a bird’s-eye view perspective, and modern amenities to meet international standards.
CECM for Tourism, Culture, Sports, and Arts, Madam Angeline Oduor, emphasized the need for an expanded parking lot, additional changing rooms, and measures to prevent rain leakage in the pavilion.
To meet FIFA standards, the KDF committed to improving lighting and incorporating modified pavilions with exit canopies at different entrances, as well as dedicated changing rooms for teams and technical staff.
The county team stressed the importance of a collaborative approach, ensuring that plans are presented to the County Assembly of Siaya for approval before construction begins.
The meeting was attended by Chief Officers, including Judith Oyugi (Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts), Eng. Kevin Ajuul (Roads and Public Works), and Chief of Staff Rtd. Col. Cyrus Oguna.
Also in attendance were Directors Chrispine Omondi (Public Communication, Civic Education, and Petition), Dr. Sanmac Okoth (Sports), and Arch. Jared Oluoch (Public Works).
The Ministry of Defense was represented by Major E. Obwar, Major P. Mukusa, and other technical officers from both the National and County Governments.
According to an itinerary seen by siayatoday.com the Permanent Secretary’s delegation will meet top Siaya County officials at the Governor’s Boardroom at 11 a.m. today before proceeding to a tour of the project sites at Siaya County Teaching and Referral Hospital as well as the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium.
This is the final stage of engagement before officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are deployed to fast-track completion of ongoing upgrading of the two facilities.
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