Sossion defends NG-CDF as auditor flags unaccounted Sh4.1 billion

Former Nominated Member of Parliament Wilson Sossion has defended the role of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) in improving education, saying it has done more for Kenyan schools than any other program since independence.

Speaking during a televised interview with Citizen on Monday, August 24, 2025, the former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General praised NG-CDF for transforming education infrastructure and ending the era when schools relied on endless harambees to put up classrooms and facilities.

“The impact of the Development Fund in the last twelve years has been very significant. We no longer see Harambees for school construction. These funds have done a tremendous job,” Sossion said.

He argued that despite its challenges, NG-CDF has brought equity to schools across constituencies and cautioned the government against moves that appear to undermine the fund.

“We should not be fighting over how resources are shared just to glorify certain offices or satisfy political interests. NG-CDF has done more for education than any other fund by ensuring fairness across constituencies,” he added.

Sossion’s defense comes at a time when questions are being raised about how MPs are managing the kitty.

A new report by Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu shows that at least Sh4.1 billion allocated for student bursaries through NG-CDF cannot be traced.

According to the report for the year ending June 2024, 125 constituencies reported helping thousands of students but could not provide the necessary paperwork to prove the disbursements.

The audit revealed that 86 constituencies failed to provide records for Sh2.12 billion in bursary funds, including receipts from schools, acknowledgement forms from students, or admission numbers.

“Eighty-six NG-CDF offices failed to provide supporting documents for bursary disbursements, including acknowledgements, receipts from beneficiary institutions, and students’ admission details, amounting to Sh2,122,652,960,” the Auditor-General noted.

An additional 39 constituencies could not account for Sh1.97 billion, as they lacked evidence to show how bursary applications were vetted.

Missing documents included committee minutes, policy guidelines, and assessment reports raising concerns that the process may have been biased and left out deserving learners.

“Bursary disbursements amounting to Sh1,971,099,695 in respect to 39 NG-CDFs were not supported with documentation on vetting of applications, including bursary vetting committee minutes/reports and policy guidelines on awards,” the report said.

The NG-CDF, introduced in 2003 under the late President Mwai Kibaki, has since become one of the most visible development tools at the grassroots. It has funded classroom construction, school facilities, police stations, and student bursaries.

While Sossion insists the fund remains the strongest tool for education growth, the Auditor-General’s findings raise fresh questions on accountability and whether MPs are using the kitty as intended.