0
0
Nairobi, 25th September 2024 — Members of the National Assembly on Wednesday afternoon engaged in a heated debate over the urgent need to entrench the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) into the Constitution. This discussion follows a recent High Court ruling that declared the NG-CDF Act of 2015 unconstitutional, raising concerns about the future of the crucial development fund.
Among the vocal supporters of the fund was Lamu East MP, Hon. Ruweida Mohammed Obbo, who emphasized the significant role NG-CDF has played in fostering development and transforming lives across Kenya. She stressed that the fund is a vital tool for ensuring equitable development across constituencies.
“The NG-CDF fund is phenomenal and a catalyst for development where each constituency allocates the money as stipulated in law,” stated Hon. Ruweida. “The structure of the fund is one to be emulated because it holds the highest parameters of transparency and accountability. If the NG-CDF is abolished, the majority of constituencies will suffer and lag behind development-wise.”
The debate highlighted the widespread concern among MPs that without constitutional protection, the NG-CDF, which has been instrumental in funding local projects such as schools, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure, could be at risk. Many lawmakers echoed Hon. Ruweida’s sentiments, arguing that the fund’s abolition would lead to significant setbacks in development, particularly in marginalized areas.
As the National Assembly continues to deliberate on this issue, there is a growing push to secure the future of NG-CDF by making it a permanent fixture in the Constitution, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s development strategy.
