MPs’ powers abet misuse of CDF kitty, report says

By Victor Mukele and Kipchumba Kemei

Loopholes in the Constituency Development Fund Act have led to poor management of the kitty.

A report cited MPs’ excessive powers over the funds and poor regulation by the national board.

The report urges the national CDF board to step up its monitoring to ensure the kitty serves its purpose.

In an audit by the Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance (CEDGG) for Nakuru Town and Rongai constituencies, it was found low levels of community participation in project identification contributed to stalling of projects.

Violation of the Public Procurement Act by project management committees was also cited as a flaw threatening the kitty.

Addressing journalists in Nakuru on Tuesday, CEDGG Programme Manager Cornelius Oduor said numerous projects initiated by the kitty are incomplete due to lack of local community involvement.

Noble initiative

Mr Oduor, however, said the CDF initiative has made great impact across the country.

"This is a home-grown initiative, which should be managed transparently," he added.

Elsewhere, an NGO claims procurement and tendering of all CDF projects in Narok North is not open.

The Centre for Law and Research International said individuals and companies that win contracts to implement the projects often bribe the officials.

"For people and companies to be awarded contracts kickback payment is a must," said Issack Sunte, the NGO’s Narok North mobiliser.

But Narok North Administrator Kelemet Larus dismissed the claims.

"Talk of some areas being favoured is political," he said.