Homa Bay: Residents of Homa Bay County have expressed mixed reactions to the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 4 of 2025) aimed at entrenching the National Government Constituency Development Fund. The bill targets the formal entrenchment of the National Government Constituency Fund (NG-CF), National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), and Senate Oversight Fund (SOF).
According to Kenya News Agency, during a public participation exercise presided over by parliamentary staffers Mike Kalama and Mohamednur Abdullahi, opinions were divided among the residents. In Suba North, several residents voiced their support, highlighting the benefits the NG-CDF and NGAAF have brought, particularly in providing bursary support to underprivileged children and improving school infrastructure. Vivian Binge and Yashon Owili emphasized the significance of these funds in supporting vulnerable groups, with Binge noting that Suba North is a marginalized constituency relying heavily on such financial assistance.
Yashon Owili, speaking at a public participation event in Mbita town, urged Members of Parliament to expedite the entrenchment of these laws into the constitution. Owili emphasized the need for structures to ensure the prudent use of funds and strict legal action against any misuse of public resources.
In Rangwe constituency, Walter Opiyo, Speaker of Bunge La Wenye Nchi, called for measures to prevent favoritism and discrimination in fund distribution. Opiyo expressed concerns about some legislators abusing their influence and advocated for laws to curb MPs’ control over fund management. He suggested that MPs should be prohibited from employing relatives in NG-CDF offices and stressed the importance of oversight bodies auditing expenditures.
Meanwhile, in Karachuonyo, MP Adipo Okuome rallied residents to support the bill, citing successes in supporting children’s education and enhancing security infrastructure through NG-CF initiatives. Okuome encouraged locals to endorse the constitutional entrenchment of these funds.
In Suba South, MP Caroli Omondi urged residents to focus on the broader goal of improving service delivery rather than personal interests when considering the bill. Omondi highlighted the importance of decentralizing funds to bring services closer to the grassroots, asserting that MPs are more accessible to the people compared to governors.