MPs Protest Delays In NG-CDF Disbursements
Members of the National Assembly have raised concerns over delays in the disbursement of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) to constituency offices, accusing the government of failing to honor its promises.
The uproar follows a point of order raised by Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu, who questioned why funds had not been released despite earlier assurances from the Treasury. According to Mulu, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economic Planning had pledged during a parliamentary retreat in Naivasha in January that the disbursements would be made on time.
“I believe the Executive is taking this House for a ride. The CS for Treasury had given clear commitments on when the NG-CDF disbursements would be made. We are now in March, and nothing has been honored. We cannot continue this way,” Mulu said.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan also criticized the delays, warning that ordinary Kenyans were the ones suffering due to the government’s inaction.
“The issue of NG-CDF is a serious matter, Mr. Speaker. We are accountable to the people who elected us and to the Constitution. These delays are unacceptable,” he stated.
Keynan further questioned why the NG-CDF Board had failed to approve project proposals submitted by Constituency CDF Committees, which are meant to fund development projects and bursaries for needy students.
“We passed the annual budget in July last year, yet ten months later, we can’t even get approvals for projects that are supposed to benefit our people. If we truly care about our children who need bursaries, something must be done,” he added.
Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo warned that the delays could lead to accountability challenges, as the financial year was nearing its end.
“By failing to release these funds, I foresee audit issues next year. With little time left for project implementation, Kenyans are unlikely to get value for money,” Prof. Oundo observed.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi raised concerns over a proposed reduction in NG-CDF allocations in the 2025/2026 Budget Policy Statement, despite the fund being one of the most effective for grassroots development.
“This is the only fund that truly works for the people, the only one that leaves no pending bills, and the only one that is not overpriced in procurement. Yet, in the current BPS, I have noted a concerning reduction of Ksh38 billion in NG-CDF allocations,” Omondi pointed out.
Kitui South MP Rachael Nyamai called for the CEO of the NG-CDF Board to be summoned before Parliament to explain the challenges facing the fund.
In response, Speaker Farah Maalim directed the House Business Committee to invite NG-CDF Board CEO Yusuf Mbuno to appear before the committee next Tuesday to address MPs’ concerns.