Siaya County will on Wednesday host Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya for the launch of two landmark projects: the second phase of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium upgrade and the groundbreaking for a new 500-bed expansion at Siaya County Referral Hospital.
Governor James Orengo described the occasion as “a historic milestone” in modernising the region’s health and sports infrastructure. “Finally, the day is here. Tomorrow, we mark a major milestone in our quest to modernise health and sports infrastructure,” he said.
Ahead of the launch, Orengo held talks with Tuya at Ulinzi House, joined by Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru and senior Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers, to review architectural drawings and harmonise the scope of works.
The stadium’s redevelopment will see capacity grow from 5,500 to 20,000 seats, complete with new terraces and roofing. At the hospital, a five-storey block will significantly expand bed capacity, easing pressure on existing facilities.
KDF, through its Special Projects Directorate, will oversee both works, building on its civil-military cooperation role that has seen it construct hospitals, classrooms and sports facilities across the country. Recent undertakings include a trauma centre in Murang’a, supervision of a hospital in Kakamega, and classroom projects in Lamu.
Governor Orengo said the collaboration with MOD underscores how national and county governments can pool expertise to deliver transformative projects. “This is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about dignity, health and opportunity for our people,” he said.
