Kenyans urge lawmakers to entrench NG-CDF in the constitution

Residents of Bondo constituency participate in the ongoing nationwide public participation to discuss the future of NG-CDF Act of 2015. [Isaiah Gwengi, Standard] A section of Kenyans has called for the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF) and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) to be anchored in the Constitution, citing their life-changing impact on grassroots communities. The residents were speaking during a public participation forum on the proposed Constitution of Kenya Amendment Bill, 2025, held at the NGAAF and CDF offices in various constituencies. Parliament is currently collecting public views on whether to entrench the NGCDF, NGAAF, and the Senate Oversight Fund into the Constitution. In Western and Nyanza, residents said the funds have been instrumental in changing lives. Enock Sokoli, a bodaboda rider based at the Huduma Centre stage in Kakamega, said NGAAF had empowered youth in the transport sector by sponsoring them for driving lessons and helping them acquire licenses. "We have also received tents through our self-help groups, which we rent out for events and earn extra income," he said. Joan Masheti, a vegetable vendor in Kakamega town, lauded the county woman MP for using NGAAF to uplift vulnerable groups such as street children, widows, and school dropouts. "NGAAF bought a car wash machine for street children. From its profits, they've since bought four more and even a motorbike," she said. Kakamega County Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda said the fund had enabled her to support various community programs, including distributing water tanks to rural schools and sanitary towels to girls in primary schools. "I've also helped teenage mothers return to school and supported peasant farmers with seeds and fertiliser," she added. Lurambi MP Bishop Titus Khamala echoed the call to constitutionalise the funds, noting that the NGCDF had played a vital role in improving education infrastructure and bursary access in his constituency. "Without NGCDF, many students would be out of school due to lack of fees. We've built classrooms, supported ICT hubs, and even constructed footbridges to help children access schools safely," he said. Khamala urged Parliament to move with speed in safeguarding the funds through constitutional entrenchment to protect them from political interference or legal challenges. Similarly, residents of Bondo and Rarieda constituencies on Monday and Tuesday participated in a public engagement to discuss the future of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF). The countrywide consultations with the public are aimed at refining proposed amendments to the National Government Constituency Development Act of 2015, following a Supreme Court ruling that stressed the need for a clear separation of powers between national and county governments. The NG-CDF has faced legal challenges over the years, with critics arguing that it encroaches on county governments' roles. However, proponents, including MPs and grassroots leaders, insist it remains essential for equitable development. During the session that was held at Bondo CDF Hall, residents acknowledged the positive role of the NG-CDF, particularly in education and security. While giving their views, many participants called for an increase in the fund allocation, citing the fund's direct impact on their lives. Verah Ogoda, a resident of Yimbo East Ward, narrated how she benefited from the fund to pursue her education. "I always wanted to pursue a maritime-related course but it was too costly. I am a qualified seafarer today courtesy of NG-CDF," said Ogoda. She noted that the fund has not only supported the building of schools and provided bursaries but also supported vulnerable students. David Juma, another resident said scrapping the fund would negatively affect many people in the constituency. For Amos Aremo, the fund has seen a transition from primary schools to secondary schools go up. "Instead of scrapping or taking it to the counties, the fund should be increased. Let the county governments also ask for their allocations to be increased from 15 per cent," said Aremo. However, Edward Oremo, a resident, who argued that NG-CDF, SOF and NGAAF are all devolved funds, said they should be used to finance climate actions at the grassroots, including mitigation, adaptation and resilience building. The exercise which was conducted in the six sub-counties will close on Thursday as the government seeks to align NG-CDF's operations with constitutional requirements. In Rarieda, area MP Otiende Amollo explained that they opted to conduct the public participation because it is not entrenched in the constitution. "Our party leader Raila Odinga called for implementation of the NADCO report which proposed to entrench the NG-CDF in the constitution. That is the reason we are doing this in order for it not to be challenged," said Otiende. In Trans Nzoia, Lucy Chebet, a mother from Chelalus village near Mt. Elgon National Park, painted a vivid picture of life before the introduction of NG-CDF. "Before CDF came, our boys were hunting wild animals, and our girls were dropping out of school, some getting married at just 12. That's not the case anymore. Our children have gone to school, and some of them now live well, thanks to CDF," Chebet recounted emotionally. Mustafa Evans, from Njoro Farm, criticized those calling for the fund's scrapping following a High Court ruling that declared it unconstitutional and ordered it to cease by June 30, 2026. "Anyone pushing for the abolition of NG-CDF should be declared an enemy of the people and jailed. I'm one of the earliest KCSE candidates in Kenya. The laboratory I used for my science practicals was built by CDF. Today, we have scientists from our villages, all because of that fund." Said Mustafa, visibly agitated. For many in the rural constituency, the CDF represents not just money, but opportunity and dignity. Mary Moraa from Nyakoiwana village underscored how NG-CDF had bridged the gap between the neglected and the privileged. "Before 2003, our roads were impassable, and our children had to walk miles to the nearest school, if any. But today, we have decent roads and schools because of NG-CDF bursaries. This fund transformed our lives." Moraa said. Report by Isaiah Gwengi, Mary Imenza and Martin Ndiema

Kenyans urge lawmakers to entrench NG-CDF in the constitution

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