Siaya Governor James Orengo appears to be reaping the benefits of his recent political ‘handshake’ with President William Ruto, unveiling a series of major development projects secured from the national government just days after meeting the Head of State.

In an update posted on X on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Orengo revealed that he had held a productive meeting with Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, which led to the signing of at least three key infrastructure initiatives for Siaya County.

Following the meeting, Orengo announced that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will take over the upgrade and completion of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya.

He further disclosed that the military would also spearhead the construction of the Siaya County Referral Hospital Complex.

“I had fruitful discussions with CS @SoipanTuya and her team at KDF headquarters on the construction of the Siaya County Referral Hospital Complex, the upgrade and completion of Phase 2 of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, and a partnership with Kenya Shipyards Limited on projects in the county,” Orengo wrote.

This announcement comes just days after Orengo and other leaders from Siaya met President Ruto at State House on June 5, 2025.

The State House meeting, said to have been brokered by ODM leader Raila Odinga, came amid growing concerns that Siaya was lagging behind in development compared to other Nyanza counties, a situation some attributed to Orengo’s frequent criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

During the State House engagement, Orengo made a direct appeal to President Ruto to support Siaya’s economic transformation through strategic investments in agriculture and infrastructure.

He emphasised that national government involvement in key sectors could significantly improve the livelihoods of Siaya residents.

“Please come to our aid in transforming Siaya. Where agriculture is impactful, national government investment in infrastructure and enterprise can positively change community livelihoods,” Orengo told the President.

The governor identified agriculture and the blue economy as vital to Siaya’s future. He cited the decline of once-thriving crops such as cotton and coffee and called for their revival.

“Siaya used to grow coffee. We were happy to host CS Wycliffe Oparanya, who had a session with our farmers. With the right support, agriculture can thrive again,” Orengo said.

Siaya had lagged behind in development compared to its Nyanza counterparts, a situation some attribute to Governor Orengo’s frequent criticism of the national government.

In contrast, Homa Bay, which has benefited significantly from national government projects, saw KDF take over the construction of Raila Odinga Stadium from the county government and swiftly give it a modern facelift.

Originally constructed by the Homa Bay County Government with only a VIP pavilion in place, the stadium underwent significant upgrades to accommodate both national ceremonies and high-stakes sporting events.

Key enhancements included the construction of concrete spectator terraces encircling the pitch, expanding seating capacity to 12,000.

On Sunday, June 1, 2025, Raila Odinga stadium in Homa Bay served as the site of this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations, a national holiday commemorating the country’s attainment of self-rule in 1963.

Less than 24 hours later, the same venue hosted one of the country’s most storied football rivalries – the Mashemeji Derby – pitting Gor Mahia against archrivals AFC Leopards.

With KDF now taking over the construction of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya, residents are eager to see whether the upgrade will match the quality and efficiency seen in the military-led transformation of Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.