Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has called for a fundamental rethink of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), labeling it a flawed financing model due to weak oversight and accountability mechanisms.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Thursday, Senator Oketch suggested that Governors, rather than Members of Parliament (MPs), should manage the funds to enhance transparency and project implementation at the grassroots level.
“Talk about what is supposed to come to your constituency when the country is sharing different resources, not to go and seek for CDF,” Oketch said, urging MPs to focus on legislative roles and oversight instead of clinging to direct development funding. “After giving the Executive the role to implement projects, check whether they are doing it right. How hard is this to understand?”
Despite his bold stance, Oketch acknowledged the legitimate concerns surrounding corruption within county governments. He noted that while MPs resist the idea of devolving CDF funds to governors due to misappropriation fears, corruption should not be an excuse to withhold funds from counties.
“We must accept that County Governments are also corrupt, but that does not mean we should deny them resources. We must just harass the ghost of corruption in counties,” he said.
Oketch’s comments came a day after the National Treasury released Ksh.7 billion to the NG-CDF board following a public outcry from MPs over delayed disbursements that had stalled development projects.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi appeared before the National Assembly and defended the delays, citing liquidity constraints and a heavy financial burden in the first quarter. He pointed to a Ksh.10.6 billion repayment to China for the Standard Gauge Railway, a total of Ksh.75 billion in other obligations, and a wage bill of Ksh.80 billion.
Mbadi emphasized that the delays were not intentional but a result of balancing critical national priorities. “At times, you have to choose between paying debts and development. If debts are not paid, there will be no economy,” he explained.
The debate has reignited discussions on fiscal discipline, decentralization, and the best path toward accountable grassroots development.
