The Cabinet Secretary for Defence Hon. Roselinda Soipan Tuya today officially launched Phase II Upgrade of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya town.
The upgrade to be supervised by the Kenya Defense Forces ( KDF) will be a collaboration with the County Government of Siaya and the National Government.
Hon. Tuya emphasized that the project reflects the National government’s commitment to providing counties like Siaya with modern sporting facilities.
The upgrades will increase the stadium’s capacity from 5,000 to 20,000 seats, featuring extended terraces, a roof canopy, and improved surrounding infrastructure.
These enhancements aim to nurture local talent and elevate Siaya’s status as a regional and potentially international sporting hub.
Phase II upgrade follows the successful completion of the stadium’s first phase, which was officially commissioned by President William Ruto, his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri K. Museveni and ODM Leader Rt Hon Raila Odinga on January 2, 2025.
This initial phase included the construction of a modern stadium with a 20,000-seat capacity and one of Western Kenya’s first red-tartan athletics tracks.
The CS outlined the extensive benefits the upgraded stadium will bring to the county. “Once completed, the stadium will become a vibrant center for community engagement, sports development, and entertainment while generating revenue for the County Government of Siaya.”
She noted that sports serve as an equalizer, fostering unity across political and religious divides.
Additionally, Hon. Tuya connected the project to the current administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), a key aspect of Kenya’s Vision 2030 development framework. BETA aims to empower grassroots sectors, including MSMEs, housing, healthcare, and infrastructure, to ensure inclusive growth.
Governor Orengo praised the partnership, highlighting progress across various sectors, from affordable housing and markets to sports infrastructure.
He declared that, aside from Nairobi, the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium is poised to become “one of the best stadiums” in Kenya, reflecting a shared vision for development.
Prof. Jacquiline Oduol, the County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Water, Irrigation, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, described the stadium as a flagship project that aligns with the County Integrated Development Plan ( 2023-2027) and Gov. Orengo’s 9-Point Agenda.
The groundbreaking ceremony gathered county leaders, the Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services), Elijah Mwangi ( Sports) and Dr. Patrick Mariru ( Defence), security officials, and community representatives, emphasizing a collective commitment to inclusive infrastructure development.
With Phase II now underway, Siaya stands on the brink of a sporting renaissance.
This project transcends mere construction; it aims to transform the county into a beacon of talent, unity, and economic opportunity.
Once completed, the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium will not only host games but also inspire a generation and that is the true victory.
