MPs should not get additional CDF money

When the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was rolled out, Kenyans were hopeful that after decades of skewed distribution of the national cake, justice would be done.

Majority of poor Kenyans in the most remote and harshest terrains, who in some instances refer to Nairobi as 'Kenya', became hopeful of getting a good share of the national cake. But revelations that 14 MPs are yet to forwarded proposals to the CDF board for review, surely come as a shocker to their constituents given the number of things that need to be attended to at the grassroots.

In the CDF, Kenyans in 'marginalised' areas, saw an opportunity to access public resources. The funds were to be routed through Members of Parliament. In the last few years, constituencies that spent their CDF money well have had something to show for it.

They are reaping the benefits of 'piece-meal' devolution introduced during the Kibaki administration. Schools, health centres, boreholes and education bursaries. The benefits are numerous because many other ventures have come up as a result of the CDF kitty.

But yesterday's report detailing why some 137 MPs' CDF budgets were rejected has shone light on the shady dealings some of our elected leaders indulge in.

Our legislators are the biggest obstacle to the country's economic and social take off. There have been reports of misuse of CDF funds in the past, with several MPs and their committees being taken to court over the same.

Some MPs have been accused of employing their cronies, including spouses and relatives, to run CDF projects. Tales seeping through indicate the kitty has been used to appease incumbent MPs and their cronies.

But these sad tales pale in comparison to news that 137 MPs could not come up with legal and acceptable proposals for the national custodian of the fund. What a pity?

It is unfortunate that MPs are planning an amendment to the Constitution to raise the CDF allocation from 2.5 per cent of the national revenue raised to 10 per cent, which does not make sense in the current situation.