Siaya County took a giant leap forward in health and sports infrastructure today when Governor James Orengo hosted Defence Cabinet Secretary Roselinda Soipan Tuya for the groundbreaking of two flagship national–county projects: the second phase of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium and the expansion of Siaya County Referral Hospital to Level Five status.
The high-profile event marked the fulfilment of President William Ruto’s pledge to deliver critical projects in the region under the broad-based government arrangement that has brought national and county leadership into closer cooperation with ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Modern Stadium for a Sporting Hub
The Sh2.8 billion second phase of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium will expand its capacity from 15,000 to 20,000 seats. The upgrades include cantilever roofing, reinforced pavilions, extended terraces, modern sanitation blocks, improved floodlighting for night matches, and a helipad for dignitaries.
“This stadium will not only host national days and international matches, but also stand as a hub for culture, recreation, and job creation,” said CS Tuya. “Siaya is positioning itself as a regional sporting powerhouse.”
World-Class Healthcare Expansion
Equally transformative is the upgrade of Siaya Referral Hospital to a fully-fledged Level Five facility. The new wing will house an advanced accident and emergency unit, cancer treatment centre, blood bank, tech-driven laboratories, an expanded maternity wing, and newborn intensive care nurseries.
Governor Orengo said the modern hospital will serve not only Siaya but also neighbouring counties:
“We need infrastructure that matches the dignity of our people. The new hospital will guarantee quality healthcare and reduce referrals to Kisumu and Nairobi.”
The project also integrates disability-friendly ramps, lactation rooms, green recovery spaces, and expanded ambulance bays with secure parking.
National-County Synergy
CS Tuya underscored that the national government will fully fund infrastructure and equipping, with technical teams targeting completion within ten months. She praised Siaya residents for embracing universal health coverage through the Social Health Authority, with enrolment already at 40 percent.
“From healthcare to sports, these projects demonstrate government dedication to clear campaign pledges under the Bottom-Up Economic Model,” she said. “The opportunities created will uplift youth, mama mboga, and local businesses alike.”
Orengo Thanks Ruto, Calls for Unity
Governor Orengo, flanked by First Lady Betty Orengo and senior county officials, struck a reconciliatory tone, thanking President Ruto for keeping his word while pledging to continue delivering under the Nyalore administration.
“Critics will always talk, but our focus is on development, not propaganda,” Orengo said. “We have more groundbreakings coming, from roads to affordable housing, and Siaya will be a model county.”
The event drew a powerful line-up of leaders, including Defence PS Dr. Patrick Mariru, Health PS Dr. Ouma Oluga, County Assembly Speaker George Okode, Deputy Speaker Oduor Odongo, CECs, chief officers, and regional commissioners.
The County Secretary Joseph Ogutu was the master of ceremony.
The Siaya projects now join a growing list of national-county collaborations in affordable housing, TVET institutions, blue economy ventures, and cultural heritage preservation—cementing the county’s place at the centre of Kenya’s development map.
Leave a Reply