Siaya County has broken ground on two landmark projects that promise to change the face of healthcare and sports in the region. At a high-profile ceremony attended by county and national leaders, work officially began on the expansion of the County Referral Hospital and on the final phase of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium.
A New Era for Healthcare in Siaya
The County Referral Hospital will receive a major facelift through the construction of a new inpatient block valued at KSh 500 million. This project is part of a KSh 1.7 billion master plan that will turn the hospital into a modern, three-wing facility capable of handling more patients and offering advanced care. The new block will add 500 beds, a big increase in capacity, and will connect to the surgical theatre that was recently completed.
Governor James Orengo said the project is a direct response to the struggles of Siaya residents. For years, families around Lake Victoria have been forced to travel long distances to Eldoret or even across the border into Uganda to find specialized treatment. With the expanded facility, Orengo said, those journeys will finally come to an end.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said the expansion will not only improve healthcare but also create opportunities for jobs and skills development. She emphasized that the new block will ease pressure on other hospitals in western Kenya, ensuring that people get quality treatment close to home.
Health Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga called on Siaya residents to prepare for the improved services by enrolling in the Social Health Authority. He said already 40 percent of residents had signed up and urged the rest to follow, stressing that registration will guarantee access to the upgraded services once the project is complete.
A Stadium for the Future
Alongside the hospital project, Siaya has also launched the final phase of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium. The stadium has been under construction for several years, with the county spending KSh 700 million on the first phase. President William Ruto has now pledged KSh 550 million to support the completion, pushing the total cost to KSh 900 million.
The completed stadium will raise its seating capacity from 5,500 to 20,000. It will also feature new terraces, a roof covering the stands, and major improvements to surrounding infrastructure. According to Orengo, the stadium will stand out as one of the best in the country outside Nairobi, offering facilities that can attract both local and international tournaments.
Tuya said the stadium is more than just a sports arena. She described it as a hub for development that will host football, rugby, and athletics competitions, while also providing space for concerts, festivals, and other community events. She noted that modern facilities often serve as magnets for business, tourism, and youth empowerment, and Siaya will now be part of that trend.
There had been concerns about the role of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in the projects, with fears that local people might be sidelined in employment. Tuya was clear on this point, saying KDF will only provide technical support and supervision. She assured residents that construction jobs will remain with Siaya’s youth and women, while KDF’s presence will ensure that timelines are kept and quality standards are maintained.
What It Means for Siaya
The launch of these two projects signals a new chapter for Siaya County. On one side, residents will soon have access to better healthcare without having to endure costly and tiring trips outside the county. On the other side, the stadium will provide opportunities for sports, business, and entertainment, putting Siaya on the map as a regional hub.
Governor Orengo described the projects as part of his administration’s broader plan to lift the quality of life for Siaya residents. He said the hospital expansion and the stadium upgrade are not just about infrastructure but about dignity, access, and opportunity.
For the people of Siaya, these projects represent hope. The hospital promises life-saving treatment closer to home, while the stadium will open doors for athletes, entertainers, and businesses. Together, they will create jobs, grow local pride, and generate new streams of income for the county.
As the groundbreaking dust settles, the real work begins. The success of these projects will depend on timelines being met, funds being used responsibly, and promises being kept. But for now, Siaya has sent a strong message: it is ready to rise, ready to provide for its people, and ready to claim its place as a center of progress in western Kenya.
