Members of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Committee have called on Kenyans to fiercely protect the NG-CDF kitty, highlighting its critical role in grassroots development.
The appeal comes amid ongoing debates about the legality and future of the fund. The MPs made their statements during a recent event where NG-CDF bursaries were awarded to needy students in Dagoretti-North Constituency.
Chairperson of the NG-CDF Committee, Hon. Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine), underscored the significance of the fund in supporting education and infrastructure development at the grassroots level.
Addressing attendees during the bursary issuance event, Hon. Sirma emphasized the positive impact of the NG-CDF.
“All of us are assembled here to benefit from this crucial kitty, and you can clearly see what the fund is doing in upgrading our learning infrastructure. Any talk of abolishing NG-CDF is ill-intended.” he said.
The NG-CDF has been instrumental in assisting impoverished households with school fees and improving critical learning infrastructure nationwide.
Hon. Sirma’s remarks came in response to recent discussions questioning the fund’s legality and future sustainability.
Ndagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi urged parents to complement the NG-CDF’s efforts by ensuring timely payment of any remaining school fees.
“My efforts in ensuring fair distribution of NG-CDF bursaries are not enough. I need your help as parents with payment of the remainder of the fees so that our learners can remain in school,” said Hon. Elachi.
Kitutu Masaba MP Hon. Clive Gisairo, a member of the NG-CDF Committee, advised parents and university students to familiarize themselves with the new university funding model.
He stressed the importance of correct application procedures to avoid missing out on government funds.
“I challenge parents and university students to understand the new funding model and ensure their applications are in order,” Hon. Gisairo said.
Nairobi County MP Hon. Esther Passaris, also present at the event, called on parents to take proactive measures to retain learners in school.
Her remarks come in response to a concerning rise in school dropout rates.
“Parents must ensure that learners stay in school to curb the increasing cases of dropouts,” she emphasized.
This follows President William Ruto’s earlier warning to Members of Parliament about the misuse of CDF funds.
During the 20th-anniversary celebrations of the NG-CDF, President William Ruto emphasized the pivotal role the fund has played in fostering local development across Kenya. He highlighted that NG-CDF has supported the education of over 1.2 million students in need.
The President urged MPs to enshrine the NG-CDF in the constitution to bolster grassroots development and address the needs of citizens nationwide.
“As the thirteenth Parliament, you have a crucial opportunity to constitutionally secure the CDF. This is essential to avoid ongoing legal challenges and to ensure that the fund effectively supports democracy and development. When I assumed office, I outlined five key aspects to consolidate our development strategies and enhance democratic governance,” President Ruto stated.
