Kajiado Senator Lenku Seki has been elected chairperson of the Senate Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism Committee and Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen as the vice chair in absentia.
It is noteworthy that Mr Murkomen who has already undergone vetting for Roads, Transport and Public Works Cabinet Secretary has been put in the committee leadership with the expectation that he might soon resign as senator if his appointment is approved by Parliament.
Mr Seki said the committee will promote trade, industrialisation and tourism activities across the country since they are the backbone of development and the bottom-up economic model championed by President William Ruto.
"Our committee is tasked with looking at issues to do with trade, industrialisation and tourism which are key to the growth of our nation, we need to work with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that we empower citizens to be able to earn a living," he said.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah noted that what most African countries need is fair trade practices to enable them to do away with foreign aid which has made them slaves to their masters since they have to pay back exorbitant loans.
Mr Omtatah said the committee will ensure local businesses are supported to achieve their potential for Kenya to achieve its development goals.
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige called for inclusion in tourism to enable people with physical challenges to touring the tourism circuit across the country.
"There is need for the government to zero rate items used by the physically challenged since most of them cannot afford to purchase them," said Ms Asige.
Senate committee members Karungo Thangwa (Kiambu), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Tabitha Karanja (Nakuru), Betty Montet (Nominated) and Hezena Lemaletian (Nominated) pledged to work with their leadership for the good of the country.
enyarangi@standardmedia.co.ke
