National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has disclosed that plans are underway to revive the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) which was declared illegal by the Supreme Court.
Wetang’ula said the debate on a bill seeking to reestablish the fund and streamline any legal technicalities surrounding the CDF Act will kick off Tuesday afternoon.
The Speaker underscored the importance of the CDF fund in enhancing National government’s development agenda especially in building schools, bursaries and community development projects.
“This afternoon I will accord Matungulu MP Stephen Mule and MP Robert Gichumu an opportunity to make statements on the proposal of the bill in the National assembly. The aim is to seal any legal loopholes so that no one claims CDF is unconstitutional,” he said
“No one can do away with CDF. I have been a Member of Parliament and I can attest that CDF is very critical in developing our communities at the constituency level. If anything, CDF should receive more funds and an oversight body established to ensure the funds are not mismanaged,” he added
Wetangula : Hazina ya ustawi maeneo bunge ‘CDF’ imefanya kazi nzuri sana haswa ujenzi wa shule na kulipia wanafunzi karo. Leo kuna mjadala bungeni kuhusu fedha za CDF. Hakuna mtu atatoa CDF kwa sababu ina umuhimu mkubwa.@MosesWetangulam@mwamkondo #GoodMorningKenya pic.twitter.com/znNl5pYAz2
— KBC Channel1 News (@KBCChannel1) November 1, 2022
Wetang’ula said the Constitution Amendment Bill 2022 also seeks the establishment of the National Government Affirmative Fund, Senate Oversight Fund and Economic Stimulus as well as the Hustler Fund.
The MPs have also proposed to double the allocation of NG-CDF to 5 percent from the current 2.5 percent by amending the NG-CDF Act of 2015.
In August 2022, the Apex court ruled that the NG-CDF Act which was enacted in 2013 and later changed in 2015 is unconstitutional.
A bench of five judges led by Chief Justice Martha Koome ruled that the CDF Act (2013) violates the principle of separation of powers between the county and National governments.
Each constituency in Kenya receives at least Ksh 100 million every year which the legislators have used for various community development projects.
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