Tuya Defends KDF Involvement in Multi-Billion Projects Amid Concerns

Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has addressed growing public curiosity over the involvement of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in two major development projects in Siaya County.
Tuya, speaking during a groundbreaking ceremony, clarified that the KDF is in Siaya primarily in a technical role, as the county advances the upgrade of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium and the expansion of the Siaya County Referral Hospital.
According to the CS, part of the KDF’s role was to ensure efficiency, quality and timely completion of the projects rather than take away employment opportunities from locals.
“Let me be clear. When KDF supports these projects, they don’t take away jobs from our young people and women. The jobs remain here in Siaya,” said Tuya.
“KDF’s role is to offer technical support and supervision, ensuring efficiency, quick turnaround, and strict adherence to timelines.”
The two Siaya projects, which are valued at over Ksh2.2 billion in total, have been made possible in large part by the KDF.
For example, the Siaya County Referral Hospital project will involve the Ksh500 million construction of a new patient block. This is part of a larger Ksh1.7 billion master plan by the county government of Siaya, Governor James Orengo, to upgrade the facility into a modern, three-wing complex.
The hospital will have 500 beds when it is finished, and it will be connected to an existing operating surgical theatre. It is anticipated that all of these improvements will increase Siaya residents’ access to specialised care.
“This new facility will provide specialised care, create jobs for our young people, and deliver better healthcare for the people of Siaya,” said Tuya, emphasising the project’s long-term impact on public health and local employment.
Governor Orengo welcomed support from the government in different forms, including the deployment of KDF in the two projects, particularly the upgrade of the referral hospital, which he described as a game-changer for communities around Lake Victoria.
“Around Lake Victoria, our people have often had to travel as far as Eldoret or even cross into Uganda to seek treatment. With this upgraded facility, that burden will finally be lifted,” said Orengo.
Besides combating enemies, KDF officers can be deployed to oversee other government initiatives such as infrastructural development, responding to emergencies and disasters, and participating in environmental conservation efforts, among others.
During the marking of a new phase of the projects, Health Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga also took the chance to urge Siaya residents to up the number of registrations for the Social Health Authority (SHA) to be able to enjoy the expanded healthcare services. Currently, 40 per cent of the county’s population is enrolled in the service.
On Monday, the county also launched the final phase of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium project, which has been backed by the national government to the tune of  Ksh550 million. Upon completion, the 20,000-seater stadium is expected to meet FIFA standards, meaning it will be eligible to host international matches.
Tuya emphasised that having such a stadium in a county like Siaya was not only crucial for sports but also for the economic potential since such a facility can also host community events and position the county as a regional hub for athletics and other sporting disciplines.