Senator James Orengo during a consultative meeting with Gem voters. [Michael Mute, Standard]

Siaya Governor James Orengo has dismissed claims that his administration is in the process of implementing the construction of the governor's and his deputy's official residences.

This comes after the devolved unit came under sharp criticism for planning to spend Sh79 million to construct the two houses.

On Tuesday, Governance and Administration Chief Officer, Joseph Omondi, said the County had set aside 30 acres of land at Akara Hill area in Alego Usonga constituency, to construct the official residences of the two State officials.

According to Omondi, the governor and his deputy's homes will cost Sh44 million and Sh35 million respectively. This claim attracted sharp criticism from the public, who accused the administration of misplaced priorities.

Yesterday, however, the governor told journalists that the county will not undertake the project, adding that they have not received a budgetary allocation for the same.

Orengo differed with Omondi and termed his announcement premature.

"My focus lies in improving the lives of Siaya residents, and focusing on where we live should not be a priority," said the governor.