Siaya County breaks ground on stadium upgrade and referral hospital complex

Defence CS Sopan Tuya breaks ground for the construction of a hospital complex as Governor James Orengo and other stakeholders cheer on.

Siaya County on Friday marked a major milestone with the groundbreaking of two flagship projects — the completion phase of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium and the expansion of the Siaya County Referral Hospital Complex.

The county government has earmarked Sh500 million for a new inpatient block at the referral hospital, part of a broader Sh1.7 billion master plan to transform the facility into a modern, three-wing complex.

This financial year, Siaya will channel Sh300 million to the hospital.

Once complete, the 500-bed project will link seamlessly with the already operational surgical theatre, boosting capacity for specialised care.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said the expansion will position Siaya as a hub for advanced healthcare in the region.

“The new facility will provide specialised care, create jobs for our young people, and deliver better healthcare for the people of Siaya,” she said.

“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 welcomed the project, saying it would address longstanding gaps in healthcare access.

“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,” he said.

Health Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga urged residents to enroll in the Social Health Authority (SHA) to maximize the benefits of the expanded services.

“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,” he said.

At the same event, leaders launched the final phase of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, which will be completed with the Sh550 million pledged by President William Ruto.

The upgrade will raise the stadium’s seating capacity from 5,500 to 20,000 by adding terraces, roofing, and modern infrastructure.

The total cost is estimated at Sh900 million, with Sh700 million already spent on the first phase.

“This stadium, once complete, will be the best outside Nairobi in terms of design and planning,” said Governor Orengo.

CS Tuya said the facility would serve as more than just a sports arena.

“The upgrade of surrounding infrastructure to modern standards will position Siaya as a regional hub for athletics, football and rugby tournaments,” she said.

She emphasised that the Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) involvement in the projects would not take away opportunities from locals.

“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,” Tuya explained.

The twin projects are expected to transform Siaya’s health and sports sectors, boosting service delivery, creating jobs, and positioning the county as a regional hub for both healthcare and talent development.