Governor pledges continued partnership as Siaya cements place as regional sports hub
Siaya County erupted into a carnival of colour, sound and spectacle today as Governor James Orengo presided over the much-anticipated finals of the Betika Community and Bingwafest Games at the iconic Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium.
Clad in a full Betika jersey, Orengo delivered a rousing message of gratitude to the organisers for choosing the newly inaugurated stadium as the venue of the grand showdown.
“I’m very pleased and honoured to see you choose this great stadium for these spectacular games. This is a worthy collaboration, and we will continue working together to ensure sports thrive for the greater good of Siaya,” said Orengo, drawing cheers from thousands of fans who thronged the arena.
The stadium, inaugurated earlier this year by President William Ruto, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and ODM leader Raila Odinga, has quickly become a magnet for regional sports. Today’s finals lived up to its billing, pulling in spectators from across Siaya and beyond.
Big Wins, Big Dreams
In football, TBM Kisumu emerged champions, walking away with a KSh 1 million cash prize, while China Squad dazzled in netball to clinch the KSh 500,000 reward. Rugby winners also received prize money, capping off a day of electric contests.
Governor Orengo personally flagged off the games before handing out awards to the victors, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to nurturing talent through structured investments in sports infrastructure.
Billion-Shilling Sports Complex Expansion
The Governor revealed that the county, in partnership with the National Executive, has secured over KSh 1.5 billion for the second phase of the sports complex. Once complete, the upgrade will increase seating capacity from the current 15,000 to 20,000 and expand facilities for training and competitions.
“The Nyalore administration is determined to make Siaya a sports powerhouse. By investing in infrastructure, academies, and training programmes—including for youth with special needs—we aim to transform talent into opportunities, create jobs, and position sports as a driver of tourism and economic growth,” Orengo noted.
A County on the Rise
The event underscored Siaya’s growing reputation as a hub of sporting excellence. The county’s integrated development plans place sports at the heart of youth empowerment, with increased allocations expected in upcoming budgets to support academies, mentorship, and international-standard competitions.
Orengo was accompanied by senior county officials including CECM Environment and Irrigation Prof. Jacqueline Oduol, Chief Officer for Governance, ICT and Administration Walter Okelo, CECM Sports Judith Okoth, area MCA Obiero Otare, Director of Sports Dr. Sanmac Okoth, alongside Betika Community officials and Bingwafest CEO Nancy Mumo.
As the sun set over the buzzing Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, the message was clear: Siaya is not just hosting sports—it is scripting a new chapter in Kenya’s sporting revolution.
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