CDF given new name in move to check use of cash

MURANG’A: The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has been renamed the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).

The name was changed with effect from February 19 (last Friday) to abide with a High Court ruling.

In a circular to all the constituencies, the new outfit came into effect in efforts to legalise the fund following the ruling that outlined that CDF Act 2013 violated division of power and functions between the national and county governments.

According to the ruling, NG-CDF will not facilitate implementation of programmes that belong to the county government. In his circular, the NG-CDF Secretariat Acting CEO Yusuf Mbuno directed all the fund managers in the constituencies to update their chairpersons and CDF committee members on the new status.

Fund managers were also told to update asset registers and be in charge of the constituency assets in line with the procedures.

The committee members in charge of the kitty are to serve for two terms unlike in the past when they were in office for three.

The new set up has introduced the Constituency Oversight Committee to oversee the projects funded and seek feedback from the public on the projects in their respective areas.

In a communication to fund managers dated January 11, CDF committees had until Friday last week to complete projects that were under the county government such as health, water and county roads.

"In order to facilitate smooth transition, CDF committees should expedite the implementation of the already approved projects falling under the devolved units to ensure their completion by February 19, 2016," read part of the circular.

Speaking in Naivasha where the secretariat was holding a meeting, CDF Board Chairman Elias Mbau said only allocations meant for the functions of the national government would be approved by the team.

"There will be intensive public participation in the projects to ensure value for money. The county governments will have to do their part as CDF is meant to support national government functions," said Mr Mbau.

Kiharu MP Irungu Kang'ata said MPs have been stopped from channeling resources to devolved functions.

"Now functions under the county governments will not be supported by CDF committees following the new regulations," said Mr Kang'ata.