The National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) has once again become a political hotbed, with Members of Parliament rallying to retain control over the multibillion-shilling kitty despite renewed calls for its disbandment.
MPs across the political divide have launched a vigorous public relations campaign aimed at reshaping public perception of the fund. Through media interviews, public forums, and constituency engagements, lawmakers are working to convince Kenyans that the CDF remains a vital tool for grassroots development.
Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, in an interview with K24 TV, dismissed claims that MPs directly manage the fund. “MPs are just patrons. The fund is managed by a constituency-based fund manager, as stipulated by the law,” he explained, adding that any misuse should be addressed through legal channels.
Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera emphasized that some government functions like maintaining roads and supporting education cannot be devolved, highlighting the continuing relevance of the CDF and the Roads Maintenance Fund.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, speaking on Kameme TV, pointed to visible development projects initiated through the CDF. “People on the ground know the work we have done. Most of the schools and infrastructure improvements are CDF-funded,” she said.
To cement the fund’s place in law, MPs have initiated a public participation campaign from May 5 to 7 across all 290 constituencies. This push is tied to the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which also seeks to safeguard the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) and the Senate Oversight Fund.
However, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has renewed calls for the fund’s abolition, citing past court rulings that deemed it unconstitutional. “If MPs don’t abolish this thing, it will become an election agenda,” Raila warned.
Despite his stance, some ODM legislators, including Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, have defied their party leader to defend the CDF, underscoring the fund’s political and developmental significance.
As the debate heats up, Kenyans are set to play a critical role in shaping the future of NG-CDF through upcoming public forums and the legislative process.
