Siaya County on Monday, September 8 marked a historic milestone with the groundbreaking of the completion phase of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium and the expansion of the Siaya County Referral Hospital Complex.
The County Government broke ground for a new inpatient block of the referral hospital valued at KSh500 million. This is part of the broader KSh1.7 billion master plan to transform the facility into a modern, three-wing hospital complex. Siaya will set aside KSh300 million to go the hospital this financial year.
When complete, the project with a capacity of 500 beds will integrate seamlessly with the already completed surgical theatre, ensuring continuity of current services while opening new capacity for specialized care.
The referral hospital expansion, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said, will anchor Siaya as a regional hub for specialized healthcare, easing pressure on existing facilities and bringing advanced treatment closer to communities.
“The new facility will provide specialized care, create jobs for our young people, and deliver better healthcare for the people of Siaya,” said Tuya.
She added, “These two projects we are launching and ground breaking today are a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to the people of Kenya. We eagerly look forward to the positive impact they will bring.”
Governor James Orengo also underscored national government’s commitment to helping counties push the development agenda forward, saying the expansion of healthcare facility will directly respond to the health needs of Siaya residents.
“Around Lake Victoria, our people have often had to travel as far as Eldoret or even cross into Uganda to seek treatment. With this upgraded facility, that burden will finally be lifted and healthcare will change here for the better,” said Orengo
Health Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga rallied residents to prepare for the benefits of the new facility by enrolling in the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“Already 40% of Siaya residents have registered with SHA. We encourage more to sign up so they can fully benefit from the expanded services once the facility is complete. This project is about fairness and access, ensuring no one is left behind.”
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium
The County also launched the final phase of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, a project to be completed with support from the KSh550 million pledged by President William Ruto.
Once completed, the stadium will elevate to FIFA standards, expanding seating capacity from 5,500 to 20,000 by doing additional terraces roofing the stadium and improving surrounding infrastructure.
“This stadium, once complete, will be the best outside Nairobi in terms of design and planning,” said Orengo.
The Stadium’s total cost is KSh900Million and so far the county had spent KSh700M on Phase 1.
CS Tuya also reiterated the stadiums significance in promoting talent, hosting concerts and events, and serve as a hub for community development and income generation.
“The upgrade of surrounding infrastructure to modern standards will position Siaya as a regional hub for athletics, football and rugby tournaments,” said Tuya.
She cautioned on KDF’s role in the two projects, “Let me be clear. When KDF supports these projects, they don’t take away jobs from our young people and women. The jobs remain here in Siaya. KDF’s role is to offer technical support and supervision, ensuring efficiency, quick turnaround, and strict adherence to timelines.”
