By Moses Njagi and Allan Kisia
The Government has released Constituency Development Fund (CDF) arrears amounting to Sh10.1 billion for completion of ongoing projects.
Finance minister Njeru Githae made the announcement in Parliament and assured MPs the money has been passed to the Ministry of Planning.
“Treasury has released all funds to Planning ministry to fund ongoing development programmes,” he stated, while issuing a statement before the House. He noted that a circular had been issued to recall all district accountants who are on leave.
“Those who are working will not be allowed to go on leave until after the March 4 elections,” he stated.
He urged the accountants to comply with the contents of the circular, which was issued on December 31, last year.
The Finance minister promised to liaise with his Planning counterpart Wycliffe Oparanya to ensure there are no hitches in disbursement of funds.
Mosop MP David Koech had sought to be assured MPs will be allowed to oversee use of the money even after their term expires on January 14.
Githae assured them that they will remain in charge of the kitty until the next legislators are elected.
“We should have a system where a legislator remains in office until another one is elected. If you are re-elected, then there is no need of being sworn-in again,” he explained.
The release of the funds will facilitate the completion of development projects initiated by MPs.
Githae bowed to pressure from MPs last year and promised to release the funds. He asked MPs to ensure the funds are properly used.
