Peter Salasya advocates for retention of CDF

By Robert Mutasi

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has thrown his full weight behind Generation Z, praised for their progressive ideas and determination.

In his recent speech, however, Salasya stood firm on one important issue: the abolition of the Constituency Development Fund, CDF.

"I support Gen Zs 100% because they have genuine reasons," an assured Salasya said. 

Salasya said CDF has done much more in facilitating national government-related functions, contrary to the notion many people in Generation Z have of it as a mere bursary fund. 

Salasya's stand comes amidst growing sentiments among younger citizens that the CDF has outlived its usefulness. 

Many in Gen Z, often considered the future of the country, have called for a re-evaluation of how public funds are managed.

They feel that the CDF is outdated and needs to be revoked or restructured, but Salasya puts up an impassioned argument., 

"In most Gen Zs' thinking, the CDF is for bursaries, but a lot of functions are being coordinated through the CDF kitty from the national government," Salasya said, his voice firm but steady. 

His words were not only a defense of the fund but also an urgent call for awareness.

His plea was clear: remove the CDF and you risk collapsing vital government services upon which local communities depend.

 "We don't want to go back to the central government and be at the mercy of begging the President. If you want to remove CDF, it's like you want to collapse this country," he pronounced, using a metaphor that was as clear as the green leaves rustling behind him.

The CDF was established in Kenya in the year 2003 to finance development projects within constituencies.

 It has equally given powers to the local communities to self-determine the priority areas of development. 

According to sources, which have been actualized, it has financed more than 18,000 projects throughout the country, ranging from building schools, clean water provision, up to better health care.

This is a position held by Salasya, which, though echoed from elder generations, is also an avenue of dialogue opening between the youths and the government. 

Gen Z, as originally known for their social and economic reform advocacy, would most likely disagree with Salasya on how the funds are managed but find common ground in the same objective for a prosperous future.

What Salasya said is not only a defense of the CDF but an appeal to action for informed discussions on how to balance the country's development priorities while accommodating the evolving demands of a new generation.

About weeks ago, the High Court ruled the NG-CDF unconstitutional for its lack of transparency.