By Samson Wire
Siaya County is edging closer to a major milestone in healthcare delivery as construction of the new ultra-modern surgical complex at the Siaya County Referral Hospital enters its final phase, with installation of critical medical equipment now underway ahead of commissioning later this year.
The multi-million-shilling project, spearheaded by the Nyalore administration, is set to significantly expand surgical capacity at the county’s main referral facility, which has long struggled under the weight of rising patient numbers from across the region.
Designed as a state-of-the-art surgical wing, the new complex features four fully equipped operating theatres, a 10-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD), a pharmacy unit and several specialized support units. Once operational, it is expected to enhance the hospital’s ability to handle both major and minor surgical procedures with improved efficiency and patient safety.
For years, Siaya County Referral Hospital has experienced mounting pressure due to increased demand for specialized care, not only from within its seven sub-counties but also from neighbouring Busia and Vihiga counties. Patients often travel long distances seeking advanced treatment, stretching existing facilities such as the maternity theatre and emergency units to their limits.
County officials say the new surgical complex will ease congestion, reduce referral delays and improve emergency response capacity, while positioning Siaya as a growing regional hub for advanced medical services in western Kenya.
The project aligns with the healthcare transformation agenda under Governor James Orengo, whose administration has prioritized infrastructure expansion and improved staffing levels to match increasing demand. The county government has pledged to ensure adequate deployment of nurses and clinical officers to fully operationalize the new wing once it is commissioned.
Beyond the flagship surgical complex, several other health facility upgrades have been rolled out across the county. Nyangu Health Centre in Ugenya has received a new maternity theatre wing, while improvements are ongoing at Sigomere Hospital in Ugunja. Boro Health Centre is in its final construction phase, and Ukwala Sub-County Hospital commenced operations of its new maternity wing late last year, complete with an eye care centre.
To strengthen service delivery, the county administration has partnered with key health sector stakeholders including Amref Health Africa, Kenya Red Cross Society and the Safaricom Foundation to support equipping and operationalization of facilities.
In the last financial year, Bondo Sub-County Hospital benefited from a KSh500 million medical supply boost under the county’s healthcare investment programme, with several other facilities across the seven sub-counties receiving similar upgrades.
With the surgical complex nearing completion, residents and health professionals alike are hopeful that the expanded capacity will reduce costly referrals to distant facilities and significantly improve healthcare outcomes for thousands of patients across Siaya and neighbouring counties.
