MPs’ poor use of Constituency Development Fund to blame for stalled projects

By Mercy Kahenda

Nakuru, Kenya: Half of projects planned under Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Nakuru County have not been implemented as a result of fund mismanagement.

According to a research conducted by the Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance (CEDGG), most projects in six constituencies within the county ­— Naivasha, Nakuru Town, Subukia, Rongai, Molo and Kuresoi  — have not been implemented due to mismanagement of resources by MPs who served as patrons of CDF in their respective constituencies.

The report states that most CDF committee members were appointed by MPs who exercised an oversight role.

Speaking during the launch of the report in Nakuru, CEDGG Chief Executive Officer Cornelius Oduor said some MPs used funds allocated for specific projects to fulfill promises they made to voters during campaigns.

Quality compromised

“Politicians promise voters projects during campaign period that are hard to achieve financially and when elected, they are forced to use CDF money in implementing such projects,” said Odour.

Mr Odour also attributed delayed implementation to lack of public participation in determining order of priority of intended projects.

“Public participation is very important while determining projects because locals know better the challenges they are faced with,” he said.

The report also noted that the standard of the projects was compromised due to lack of technical expertise.

“People contracted to run projects were not on merit but rather relation between them and leaders,” he said.

A total annual constituency allocation for the six constituencies during 2003/4 to 2012/2013 financial years is Sh3,067,245,565 that accounted for four per cent of the total national disbursement.

Molo received the highest share of Sh582,615,506 followed by Naivasha with Sh581,558,257. According to the report total projects planned in the county were 2,293 but only 1,369 have been completed, 828 are ongoing, 27 abandoned, 47 are new projects which were not budgeted for and 22 other projects have not been started.