President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transform Siaya County with a raft of multi-billion-shilling projects, top among them the modernisation of the 20,000-seater Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium and the construction of a state-of-the-art referral hospital.
Speaking after attending an ACK church service in Siaya town, the President announced that the two projects—valued at a combined Sh1.05 billion—will officially break ground on September 9, with contractors expected to mobilise immediately.
The stadium facelift, budgeted at Sh550 million, will complete a project that has lingered across successive administrations. The new referral hospital, set to cost Sh500 million, will be built to modern standards to ensure residents access quality healthcare.
“I want to thank former Governor Cornel Rasanga for doing his bit on the stadium, and Governor James Orengo has equally done his part. It is now my turn to complete it,” Dr. Ruto told a jubilant crowd.
He added: “I have instructed the contractor to deliver quality work. I want to assure you that the stadium project will be more beautiful than Homa Bay’s.”
On healthcare, the President urged Siaya residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to benefit from affordable services once the hospital is complete.
“Our reforms in the health sector are meant to benefit the poor. Currently, only 400,000 out of 990,000 residents in Siaya are registered—just 40 per cent,” Ruto noted, revealing that his government has released Sh21 billion to health facilities nationwide so patients can access free treatment at dispensaries, health centres and level IV hospitals.
Roads, Housing and Port Development
The President also outlined an ambitious infrastructure and housing agenda for the county.
He confirmed that resources for the rehabilitation of Usenge Port have already been prioritised in the national budget, while housing projects worth Sh22 billion are underway, including 11,000 units consuming Sh17 billion.
Fourteen ESP markets, built at a cost of Sh1.5 billion, are complete, while road projects in Siaya will cost Sh4 billion, with Sh2.5 billion already factored in the budget.
Key road upgrades earmarked for immediate implementation include: Kabao–Bondo–Sing’ Oyie, Kanga–Kabaku–Osir, Kitambi, Lwala–KaElijah, Wangarot–Asembo Bay, Sidindi–Sigomere–Masiro, Ngiya–Kobare–Malele, and Kodiaga–Rabango–Usenge.
Yala Swamp Stalemate
Turning to the Yala Swamp, President Ruto assured residents that his administration will resolve the long-running stalemate over land use.
Governor Orengo, who has held consultations with the National Land Commission and local elders, confirmed progress, saying some agreements had reached an advanced stage.
“This announcement by the President is a huge relief to farmers who have waited for years to secure their rightful share of the swamp,” Orengo said.
On Usenge Port, the Governor revealed he had signed a letter handing over land formerly occupied by a police post to pave the way for the port’s expansion.
“We are set to meet the Kenya Ports Authority director to finalise details. Once Usenge port is done, piers will also be established at Asembo Bay and Wich Lum,” he said.
The President was flanked by a strong political delegation, including Senator Oburu Oginga, Langata MP Felix Odiwuor, Ugenya MP David Ochieng, Alego-Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo and Siaya Speaker George Okode.
Governor Orengo assured the Head of State that the future of Siaya “will only be bright if leadership works for the people.”
The projects, analysts say, not only mark a major development shift in Siaya but also signal a thawing of political rivalries, with both national and county leaders now aligning around service delivery.
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