Vihiga: The residents of Vihiga County have expressed their support for the enactment of a law aimed at embedding the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) into the constitution. During a public participation exercise held at the Vihiga Constituency office compound, the community outlined the multitude of benefits they have gained from the fund.
According to Kenya News Agency, Nicholas Lugalia, who identifies as a grassroots mobilizer, emphasized the significant impacts of the fund. He highlighted its role in constructing classrooms, building health facilities, establishing police stations, and providing bursaries for economically disadvantaged students, underscoring the necessity of protecting the fund.
Sylvia Ayoti, a resident of Emuhaya Sub County, also praised the NG-CDF, sharing her personal experience of receiving bursaries for her high school and university education. However, she suggested the implementation of a mechanism to prevent fund misappropriation to ensure it fulfills its developmental purpose in constituencies.
Earnest Kagesi, the Member of Parliament for Vihiga Constituency, was present at the event and expressed his full support for the Bill in Parliament. He refuted arguments suggesting the fund should be managed by county governments, pointing out that the division of revenue Act outlines the financial distribution between the two levels of government. Kagesi also stressed that MPs have a role in overseeing government institutions and funds, including the NG-CDF.
The Bill also includes provisions for the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) and the Senate Oversight Fund.