Senator Ojienda seeks clarity on SGR extension to Kisumu, illegal sale of Ozempic, and promotion of alternative Sports

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠s
𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟑 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Sen (Prof) Tom Ojienda has requested statements from the relevant Senate committees on key issues affecting Kisumu County and the country at large.

First, he seeks an update from the Senate Committee on Roads and Transportation on the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Kisumu. He has asked for details on the status of feasibility studies, sources of funding and the expected economic benefits for the county. Additionally, he wants clarity on how the SGR will integrate with Kisumu Port and other transport networks. 

The Senator has also called on the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) to outline the number of people who may be displaced along the proposed route and provide a detailed resettlement and compensation plan.

Second, Sen (Prof) Ojienda has raised concerns over the illegal sale of the diabetes drug Ozempic for weight loss in Kenya. He has asked the Senate Committee on Health to clarify the regulatory measures in place to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs. He also seeks an update from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board on actions taken to curb the illegal sale and distribution of Ozempic and similar medications.

Lastly, the Senator has called on the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to provide a Statement on the promotion of alternative sports in Kisumu County. He notes the growing participation of youth in roller skating, rugby sevens and water sports but highlights the lack of infrastructure and funding. 

He has asked the Ministry of Sports to outline its plans for developing sports facilities, providing training equipment and establishing talent development centres. Additionally, he seeks information on whether government funding or public-private partnerships are being leveraged to support alternative sports and if these activities are being incorporated into school programs. He also wants details on efforts to position Kisumu as a hub for water sports tourism on Lake Victoria.