MPs set to defend NG-CDF amid legal challenges and growing opposition
In preparation for the upcoming public hearings on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, MPs are working to align their strategies and messaging.
Members of Parliament are next week expected to meet for a strategic session aimed at reinforcing their efforts to constitutionally entrench the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, will also cover discussions on the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) and the Senate Oversight Fund, both of which MPs are pushing to become constitutional provisions.
The NG-CDF has been a critical development tool, especially in rural areas, but it has faced significant legal challenges in recent years.
In response to these challenges, MPs have intensified their push for the fund’s inclusion in the constitution, seeking to shield it from future court rulings.
The timing of the Kamkunji comes amid vocal opposition from prominent figures like Raila Odinga, who has long criticized the fund, calling for its disbandment.
"The courts declared CDF unconstitutional, but MPs have clung to it. They must stop it. This is something I will be speaking about very strongly. If MPs don’t abolish this thing [NGCDF], it will be an election agenda," he remarked last week.
Former Speaker Justin Muturi has also added his voice to the call for the fund's abolition, labeling NG-CDF as a “corrupt, illegal and unconstitutional slush fund” that unfairly benefits MPs and their allies.
However, MPs are determined to secure the fund’s constitutional entrenchment, seeing it as essential for grassroots development.
In preparation for the upcoming public hearings on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, MPs are working to align their strategies and messaging.
The public participation is set for May 5 to 7, 2025, and will take place in all 290 constituencies.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula stressed the need for transparency and proper procedures in the process.
"As observed by our court, amending a country’s constitution, more so our constitution, should be a sacrosanct public undertaking."
He also directed MPs to hold public participation sessions in their official constituency offices, ensuring that the process remains accountable and above board.