MPs want CDF allocation raised to 5 per cent of national budget

By Charles Ngeno

Kenya: Three MPs have said they will push for the amendment of the CDF Act to increase allocation from the current 2.5 per cent of the national budget to five per cent.

James Lomenen (Turkana South), Ken Kiloku (Narok East) and Patrick Ntutu (Narok West) said the fund has proved to be the most effective way of promoting development at the grassroots.

Speaking at Duka Moja in Narok East Constituency during a ceremony organised to issue bursary cheques to students, the leaders said CDF has put in place mechanisms that ensure the funds are properly utilised.

“We want our people to feel the essence of devolution by bringing major development to them. This is the only money that should reach people at the grassroots,” said Lomenen.

Lomenen accused the governors of prioritising the purchase of expensive vehicles and holding meetings in luxurious hotels at the expense of development.

“The price of one vehicle can pay school fees for over ten students in a year. Why should they pursue selfish interests and forget the interest of the people who elected them? We have seen others engage in unending foreign trips,” he said.