KDF soldiers march at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi during Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2022.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has intensified its role in delivering critical infrastructure across the country, with Siaya as the latest beneficiary of the undertaking.
This follows a new partnership between the Ministry of Defence and the devolved unit forged during high-level discussions between Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and Siaya Governor James Orengo last week at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Tuya said the collaboration is part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Defence to support national development goals through infrastructure delivery, security support, and technical expertise.
“We explored opportunities for collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and Siaya County Government in infrastructure development and maritime security,” said CS Tuya.
President William Ruto (centre), his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni (left) and the African Union Commission Chairperson candidate Raila Odinga (right) cut a ribbon to officially launch the 20,000-seater Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya county during the Piny Luo Festival on January 2, 2024.
“Through the Kenya Defence Forces, we will support the upgrading of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium into a 20,000-seater ultra-modern multi-sport facility. We will also participate in the modernisation of the Siaya Level 5 Hospital.”
The CS said the KDF’s engineering and logistical capabilities make it a strategic partner for counties seeking efficient and timely delivery of public projects.
Governor Orengo welcomed the partnership, saying it will enhance service delivery and boost Siaya’s infrastructure portfolio, particularly in health and sports.
“I had fruitful discussions with CS Soipan Tuya and her team at KDF headquarters on the construction of the Siaya County Referral Hospital Complex, the upgrade and completion of phase two of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, and the partnership with Kenya Shipyard Limited on projects within the county,” Mr Orengo said.
Senior Ministry of Defence and KDF officials, led by Principal Secretary Dr Patrick Mariru and Chief of Infrastructure Brigadier Titus Sokobe, also attended the meeting.
The collaboration signals a growing trend of counties tapping into KDF’s technical units, particularly the Defence Forces’ Engineers Brigade and the Kenya Shipyard Limited, for strategic projects aligned with national priorities.
In the 2023/2024 Financial Year, the Ministry of Defence was tasked with executing 22 national projects, ranging from health to transport and stadium infrastructure.
One of the flagship assignments was the rehabilitation of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), ahead of the Africa Climate Summit in September 2023.
Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Defence Soipan Tuya.
The project was completed on time and to specification, underscoring the ministry’s capacity to deliver under tight deadlines.
Other completed projects include: rehabilitation of green spaces at Uhuru Park and Central Park in Nairobi, construction and equipping of Level IV hospitals for the Kenya Prisons Service and the National Police Service.
Renovation works at JKIA's Presidential and VIP Lounges, Parliament Square, and various airport and stadium facilities.
Full rehabilitation and equipping of health facilities in Nyeri, Nyamira, Wajir, Samburu, Busia, and Nyandarua Counties.
In the transport sector, significant progress was made in reviving the Gilgil–Nyahururu Meter Gauge Railway, with near completion at the Nyahururu and Ol Kalou stations. The proposed dredging of Kisumu and Mbita Ports, a critical boost to maritime connectivity in the Lake Region, was also completed.
The Military is also overseeing major sports infrastructure under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, including the Talanta Sports Complex at Jamhuri Grounds, Nyayo Stadium upgrades earmarked to host the African Nations Championships (CHAN) 2025.
Others are; upgrades at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and Kipchoge Keino Stadium and completed rehabilitation of Embu Stadium.
As Siaya becomes the latest region to tap into this transformative capacity, more counties are expected to seek MOD’s expertise in delivering durable infrastructure that meets the aspirations of citizens and supports national development goals.
“This is about building trust with the people by delivering visible and meaningful impact,” CS Tuya said.
KDF soldiers arrive at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi during Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2022.
With the KDF’s mission capability now extending well beyond the battlefield, Kenya is redefining how defence assets can serve peace, progress, and prosperity.
In Siaya, Mr Orengo, who was previously a fierce critic of the broad-based government between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga now appears to enjoy State support following last week's State House meeting that probably unlocked the deadlock.
“We are happy that the national government will fund two projects, to be undertaken by the KDF, to the tune of one billion shillings. These projects will transform the county as well as improve the service delivery to the people,” said the county chief.
“Arrival of the KDF is a dream come true. When we had “Piny Luo” festival which was graced by President Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni, we requested for assistance for completion of the stadium and the head of state gave a promise that the national government will undertake construction and completion of the works we had requested to be done,” he went on.
The State House meeting by a delegation from Siaya county led by Mr Orengo unlocked major infrastructure projects by the national government.
The visit – that took place after months of political standoff between President Ruto and Mr Orengo – saw leaders from the region close ranks to lobby for various development projects for the county’s six constituencies.
The President announced a Sh1 billion investment in blue economy, including Usenge Pier and attendant port facilities at Sh600 million and a fish market at Sh400 million.
He said the government will also build 16 markets in the county at a cost of Sh2.5 billion. Another Sh1.6 billion has been set aside for the last mile electricity programme to connect a total of 16,000 households.
President William Ruto, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Senator Oburu Oginga when he hosted leaders and business people from the county at State House, Nairobi on June 5, 2025.
On the expansion of Odera Akang'o University, President Ruto said the government would finalise the plan to acquire more land for the institution.
He also promised to complete stalled infrastructure projects at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
“We will also construct 16 markets in the County at a cost of Sh2.5 billion and allocate Sh1.6 Billion in the connection of more than 16,000 households to power to drive entrepreneurship,” said President Ruto.
In a memorandum presented by Mr Orengo, the team requested for completion of some of the ongoing projects in the six constituencies.
“We acknowledge with deep gratitude the inclusive governance approach espoused in collaboration with the Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. This spirit of partnership has significantly fostered national unity and laid a strong foundation for shared prosperity across the nation,” said Mr Orengo.
