Senator Chute seeks clarity on key national issues

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟖 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Senator Mohamed Chute (Marsabit) has raised several critical national concerns in the Senate, seeking clarity from various committees on issues affecting the country. The Senator has requested for statements addressing the increasing presence of foreign nationals in Kenya’s informal business sector, stalled road projects, livestock vaccination programs and the implementation of a wind power project in Loyangalani. 

Sen Chute has requested a Statement from the Senate Committee on National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations, chaired by Sen Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo), regarding the increasing number of foreign nationals engaging in informal business activities such as barbering, salon work and small-scale enterprises. 

"Mr. Speaker, the Committee should explain the sudden proliferation of foreign nationals in informal businesses and whether this aligns with existing labour and immigration policies," he stated. 

The Senator has also asked the Committee to provide data on the legal status of these individuals, the government’s efforts to curb illegal stays and any regulations to ensure compliance with licensing, taxation, and labour laws while protecting job opportunities for Kenyans. 

Raising concerns over stalled infrastructure projects, Senator Chute has sought a statement from the Senate Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing, chaired by Sen Eddie Oketch (Migori), regarding the incomplete construction of Korongo Road in Karen, Nairobi County. 

Despite being under the jurisdiction of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), the 1.1 km road remains unfinished, causing accessibility challenges. The Senator has urged the Committee to clarify the commencement and completion timeline of the project, the cost breakdown, and the status of contractor engagements. 

"It is crucial for the Committee to ensure transparency in project scheduling and accountability for any delays," he emphasized. 

Given the importance of livestock to Kenya’s economy, Senator Chute has called on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, chaired by Senator Wafula Wakoli (Bungoma), to provide details on the ongoing livestock vaccination program. He has asked the Committee to inform the Senate on the targeted diseases, the source of the vaccines and the overall funding of the program. 

Furthermore, the Senator has requested updates on whether the vaccines are locally manufactured or imported and has emphasized the need for a clear timeline for vaccinating the 22,000 cattle earmarked for the program. 

In a separate request, Sen Chute has sought clarity from the Senate Committee on Energy regarding the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) PLC Wind Power Project in Loyangalani, Marsabit County. He has asked the Committee to provide details on land use, environmental impact, project feasibility, and local benefits such as employment opportunities and infrastructure development. 

"The Committee should clarify whether the power generated will be integrated into the national grid or reserved for local consumption," he said. 

Additionally, the Senator has urged the Committee to ensure that KenGen establishes an operational site in Loyangalani and provides transparency on the project’s investment, funding sources, and public participation.