Siaya County is set for a major infrastructural transformation as the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) provide technical support in the construction of key projects, including the Siaya County Referral Hospital expansion and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium upgrade. Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya emphasized during the groundbreaking ceremony that KDF’s involvement is strictly technical, ensuring efficiency, quality, and adherence to timelines, without displacing local employment.
The projects, collectively valued at over Ksh2.2 billion, include a Sh500 million new patient block within the 1.7 billion-shilling hospital master plan. Once completed, the hospital will feature a modern three-wing complex with 500 beds and an existing surgical theatre, significantly improving access to specialized healthcare for residents. Meanwhile, the stadium is set to expand to a 20,000-seater facility meeting FIFA standards, enhancing Siaya’s capacity to host international matches while creating opportunities for youth empowerment and community engagement.
Governor James Orengo welcomed the KDF’s technical support, highlighting the hospital as a game-changer for communities around Lake Victoria, where residents previously traveled long distances, including cross-border, to access specialized care. CS Tuya reinforced the dual benefits of the projects, noting their potential to boost public health and stimulate the local economy. Health Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga encouraged residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to fully benefit from the upgraded healthcare services, as only 40 percent of the county population is currently enrolled. The launch of these initiatives signals a new era of county-national government collaboration, aiming to deliver sustainable development and socio-economic growth in Siaya.