Nairobi: A scuffle looms between the High Court and Members of Parliament (MPs) as the lawmakers fight the court’s decision to quash the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF). The MPs have initiated public participation debates as they remain determined to retain control of the 20-year-old multi-billion-shilling kitty.
According to Kenya News Agency, residents in Teso North and Butula sub-counties have expressed support for MPs retaining control of the NG-CDF, citing its vital role in transforming constituencies through education, security, and infrastructure development. Speaking during a public participation forum in Butula, residents said NG-CDF has been instrumental in implementing development projects across the country. They called for an amendment to the 2010 Constitution to ensure the Fund is firmly entrenched in law.
Residents from the two constituencies noted that the Fund has supported the construction of schools, issued bursaries to needy students, and improved infrastructure in various areas. The appeal follows the ongoing national debate on whether the NG-CDF should be devolved to counties or remain under the purview of MPs. The Fund has faced legal challenges, with some stakeholders pushing for its dissolution.
In their submissions, residents led by Rose Wanzala from Marachi North, Julius Agunda from Lugulu, and Stephen Wasike from Marachi Central argued that the NG-CDF is essential for equitable development, especially at the grassroots, and helps the government meet socio-economic development needs. According to Wanzala, the Fund’s operations are governed by the NG-CDF Act, which emphasizes public participation and ensures resources are directed toward specific projects.
Amid the legal battles surrounding the Fund, Parliament is seeking to constitutionalize the NG-CDF to shield it from future legal threats. Lawmakers are currently conducting public participation on Bills aimed at entrenching the Fund in the Constitution. In his submission, Butula MP Joseph Oyula said the Fund should be legally protected to ensure continued public benefit. ‘As Members of Parliament, we will meet all legal requirements to ensure the Fund remains operational under our offices. This is the only way to harmonize development and empower our people at the grassroots level,’ he said.
The MP revealed that through the Fund, he has already implemented over 80 projects, including schools, a police station, administration offices, and other infrastructure developments. Meanwhile, in Teso North Constituency, stakeholders on Tuesday vowed to support the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 4 of 2025. During public participation held at KNUT Hall in Amagoro, which was officially opened by area Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Kitahi, stakeholders endorsed the NG-CDF, highlighting numerous benefits it has delivered.
With the 20-year-old Fund’s future uncertain after the High Court declared it unconstitutional and ordered its winding up by next year, wrangles between county governments and MPs continue, with differing opinions on how the Fund should be administered and which level of government should oversee it.