MP slams those calling for scrapping of NG-CDF

By Peter Ochieng

A Member of Parliament (MP) has told off those proposing the scrapping of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).

Youthful protesters who have been demonstrating against President William Ruto's administration in a range of their demands, have proposed the scrapping of the kitty, claiming that it is a breeding ground for corruption and nepotism in constituencies.

Each of the 290 constituencies recieves at least Sh100 million yearly to support various development initiatives, including sponsoring education for secondary school, college and university students through bursary allocations.

According to Suna West MP Peter Masara, NG-CDF has transformed the lives of many Kenyans, adding that calling for its disbursement is asking for too much.

“The board and the fund has interests of Kenyans at heart, especially in rural areas, since the kitty has opened up far-flung areas where government funds never reach,” said the MP.

The fund was initiated in 2003 as CDF during Kenya's third President, the late Mwai Kibaki's time in office, before the name was changed to NG-CDF later on.

“If you walk in every corner of the country, you can easily find projects started by the kitties, even when health and roads were moved to county governments,” MP Masara added.

He spoke at St Peter’s Maweni Girls secondary school in Wasimbete.

The newly established institution was started by NG-CDF.

Kenya Secondary School Heads Association Chairman, Suna West branch Jackton Owuor, who doubles up as the principal of St Peter’s Abwao school, said the kitty has helped improve infrastructure in learning institutions.