Murang’a: As the debate over the potential scrapping of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) heats up, a section of Kenyans, particularly residents of Murang’a County, have voiced their strong opposition to the proposal. They have pointed out that eliminating the fund would be a significant step backward, considering the numerous development projects that have been successfully implemented through it.

According to Kenya News Agency, in Kiharu, the residents have highlighted various infrastructure improvements made possible by the NG-CDF. Notably, enhanced road networks, the modernization of public learning institutions such as primary and secondary schools, and improved security services are some of the infrastructural development projects achieved through the NG-CDF.

“Through the NG-CDF, we have seen the building and transformation of our Kiharu Technical Training College here in Kiambugi, which has been very critical in equipping the youth with skills, knowledge, and technical expertise for the workplace,” notes Johnson Kibe, a trainer at the Kiharu TTC. He adds that if the NG-CDF was properly utilized, it would ensure infrastructural developments are carried out, thus impacting the common mwananchi’s daily life. “Local administration offices have also been upgraded, equipped with modern facilities that facilitate efficient government service delivery to the community,” he noted.

Echoing similar sentiments, Kiharu CDF Chairman Peter Manyeki notes that the NG-CDF fund has made it possible to modernize learning institutions to provide a habitable learning environment for all students and pupils, giving them an equal chance at education. The modernization, he says, has also promoted 100 percent transition from primary to tertiary institutions. “During the landscaping and tiling of the schools, we ensure we use the labor-based model, which not only oversees quality work but also cuts costs, ensuring the fund is put into its intended use,” he said.

Another critical aspect that residents emphasized is the bursary allocation provided by the NG-CDF. “Many bright but financially disadvantaged students rely on these funds to pursue their education and achieve their academic goals, so if it’s scrapped, what will happen to these children?” poses Kamau Mutuota. “The support has proven invaluable in enabling countless young people to access quality education and better future opportunities,” he adds.

Defending the fund, some Members of Parliament, including Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Kangema MP Peter Kihungi, argued that scrapping the NG-CDF would create more opportunities for corruption. “The NG-CDF fund handles functions that are national government functions in nature like education and security, but not county government functions,” argues Ndindi Nyoro, adding that, “If the fund is scrapped, a parent in dire need of a bursary for their child will be required to travel to the Ministry of Education offices to apply for the same and as such, residents would not see the necessary development projects that align with their priorities,” he argued. His Kangema counterpart observed that NG-CDF has been supporting and assisting Kenyans right from the grassroots level and scrapping it was ill-informed. He stressed that the NG-CDF played a crucial role in ensuring that local needs and functions were met effectively.

The Constituency Development Fund was established in Kenya in 2003 following the passage of the CDF Act by the 9th Parliament. This initiative was championed by Muriuki Karue, the then Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou Constituency, who introduced the concept through a private member’s bill aimed at enhancing local development.

Opponents of the proposed scrapping argue that the NG-CDF has been a vital tool for grassroots development, empowering communities to address their unique challenges directly. They contended that cutting off this funding would undermine progress made over the years and hinder future development initiatives. As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen how this debate will unfold and what implications it may have for the future of community development in Kenya. Importantly, voices of residents and their elected representatives would undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of this significant issue.