Nairobi: As legislators work to entrench the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) in the constitution, Nyeri residents have expressed mixed reactions to the ongoing debate. The fate of the NG-CDF remains uncertain after a High Court ruling in 2023 declared the fund unconstitutional, citing concerns over the separation of powers.
According to Kenya News Agency, Members of Parliament have launched efforts to salvage the fund by drafting the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill No. 4 of 2025, which proposes incorporating the NG-CDF into the Constitution. On Monday, the National Assembly began public participation forums across 290 constituencies to gather opinions on whether to maintain or abolish the fund. These hearings were scheduled to run from May 5 to May 7. The proposed bill also aims to include the Senate Oversight Fund and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) in the Constitution.
As discussions continue, some Nyeri residents staunchly oppose abolishing the fund, which has been instrumental in community development since its inception in 2003. They emphasize its role in addressing issues that national programs often neglect. James Njoroge, a local resident, commented on the fund’s significance, noting its impact on constructing classrooms and providing bursaries to needy students, particularly in remote and marginalized areas.
For many rural families, the CDF bursary is crucial for accessing education. However, delays in disbursing these funds have raised concerns about interruptions in children’s education. Mary Wanjiru, a fruit vendor, shared her family’s experience, highlighting the difficulties caused by the delayed disbursement and the importance of the fund in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Despite widespread support for retaining the fund, some residents express dissatisfaction with its community impact. Criticisms include the challenging process of accessing funds and the limited benefits for truly needy individuals. Wanja Muriuki argued for reallocating the funds to the Ministry of Education to support free education, citing corruption and favoritism as barriers to equitable distribution.
Charity Wangari also voiced concerns, questioning MPs’ motivations for entrenching the fund into law. While not advocating for the fund’s termination, she emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in its management, citing instances of sudden wealth among elected officials as alarming.