By Samson Wire
In a major boost to community healthcare, the Siaya County Government has today signed a far-reaching Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lwala Community Alliance, unlocking a Sh150 million annual health partnership aimed at accelerating universal health coverage across the county.
The high-level agreement was sealed at the county offices by Governor James Orengo and Lwala Community Alliance CEO Julius Mbeya, marking a new chapter in people-centred healthcare delivery under the Nyalore administration.
Lwala Community Alliance is a Kenyan-founded, community-rooted non-governmental organization with a long track record of improving health outcomes while tackling systemic inequalities and cycles of impunity. Founded with the support of local visionaries Milton and Fred, who donated land for the original hospital, the organization was established to confront high maternal mortality, HIV/AIDS prevalence, and deep-seated health inequities.
Its impact speaks for itself. According to its 2024 Annual Report, Lwala has:
Enabled 97% skilled deliveries in supported areas
Trained and supported 8,300 professional community health workers
Equipped 689 community health groups to drive sustainable change
Strengthened 940 health facilities with lifesaving skills in obstetric and haemorrhage management
Where the Sh150 Million Will Go
Governor Orengo confirmed that the Sh150 million annual financing will directly support:
Expansion and motivation of Community Health Promoters (CHPs)
Upgrading health facilities and essential equipment
Recruitment and support of healthcare personnel
Maternal referral services for vulnerable mothers and newborns
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our manifesto commitment to quality, accessible healthcare for every resident of Siaya,” Governor Orengo said, emphasizing collaboration, accountability, and targeted investment as pillars of his administration.
The MoU builds on a series of tangible upgrades already delivered by the Nyalore administration:
Ukwala Sub-County Hospital now boasts a modern maternity theatre and an eye clinic
Siaya County Referral Hospital has expanded its Emergency and Accident Unit, added treatment rooms, a new maternity wing, and a backup oxygen system
Boro Health Centre has been upgraded with additional treatment rooms
Urenga and Sigomere facilities have seen the recruitment of more health officers and Caesarean section specialists
Bondo Sub-County Hospital received medical supplies worth millions of shillings in the last financial year
The signing ceremony drew senior county officials, underscoring the administration’s whole-of-government approach to health reform. In attendance were County Secretary Joseph Ogutu, CECM Governance, ICT and Administration Agenda Ochanda, CECM Education Dr. Edgar Otumba, CECM Environment and Water Prof. Jacqueline Oduol, Chief Officer Environment Michael Oliech, Chief Officer Medical Services Dr. Samuel Omondi, and Chief of Staff Col. (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna, among others.
With this MoU, Siaya positions itself as a model for public-NGO partnerships that deliver measurable results. As Governor Orengo pushes forward with facility modernization, workforce expansion, and community-first healthcare, the Lwala partnership is set to bring lifesaving services closer to the people who need them most.
Siaya isn’t just signing agreements — it’s signing up for healthier mothers, safer births, and a stronger grassroots health system.
