Senator Ojienda seeks answers on Education, Agriculture and Infrastructure in Kisumu County

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Senator (Prof.) Tom Odhiambo Ojienda SC (Kisumu), has submitted three separate requests for Statements in the Senate, seeking responses from various Standing Committees concerning pressing development issues in Kisumu County. The Statements address the proposed elevation of Kisumu National Polytechnic, challenges facing local farmers in accessing markets and the status of upgrading the Kisumu-Busia Road to a dual carriageway.

In his first statement, directed to the Standing Committee on Education, Sen. Ojienda sought information regarding the potential elevation of Kisumu National Polytechnic to a Technical University. He emphasised the institution’s critical role in equipping the youth with technical and vocational skills, significantly contributing to both regional and national development. He noted that transforming the institution into a Technical University would not only expand access to higher education but also foster research, innovation and industrial linkages vital for national progress.

“The move would align with the government’s agenda to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and address the skills gap in the job market,” stated Sen. Ojienda.

The lawmaker requested the Committee to clarify the criteria and requirements for such an elevation and to confirm whether Kisumu National Polytechnic meets the standards. He also sought information on plans by the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training to facilitate the elevation, including a timeline for the process. Additionally, he inquired about any budgetary allocations set aside for the institution’s elevation and expansion, the expected impact on technical education and employment opportunities for youth in the region and whether public participation and stakeholder engagement had been conducted in accordance with Article 232(1)(d) of the Constitution.

In his second statement, addressed to the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Sen. Ojienda raised concerns about the difficulties faced by farmers in Kisumu County in accessing structured and rewarding markets.

He requested the Committee to outline the measures undertaken by both the National and County Governments to assist farmers in accessing markets at national and international levels, including linkages to exporters, processors and institutional buyers. He also sought details on plans to improve agricultural infrastructure such as feeder roads, cold storage facilities and transport systems to ensure timely delivery of produce. Furthermore, he asked for updates on the establishment of aggregation centres, market hubs and digital platforms aimed at improving access to pricing information and market networks for farmers in the county.

The ODM Party Senator further requested information on the support available for value addition and certification to help farmers meet export standards and on the strategies being implemented to protect them from exploitation by middlemen. These include reforms in cooperative marketing, contract farming and the enforcement of transparent market regulation.

In his third statement, Sen. Ojienda called on the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing to provide clarity on the upgrading of the Kisumu-Busia Road to a dual carriageway.

He tasked the Committee with confirming whether the government has concrete plans to upgrade the corridor into a full dual carriageway and, if so, to provide information on implementation timelines, funding sources and budgetary allocations. He also sought updates on the feasibility study commissioned by the East African Community in November 2024 for the multinational Kisumu-Kisian-Busia/Kakira-Malaba Busitema Busia Expressway including its scope and expected outcomes.

The Committee is required to give the status of land acquisition and compensation plans for affected persons, and to explain whether public consultations and stakeholder engagement had been carried out in line with Article 232(1)(d) of the Constitution.

The Committee, chaired by Senator Eddy Oketch (Migori), has also been asked to provide information on the measures in place to ensure that both ongoing and future road improvements along the corridor align with national infrastructure priorities and deliver tangible benefits to local communities.