𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 (𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭) 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺

 

 Day two of the public participation exercise on the proposed Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill No. 4 of 2025 kicked off today in Westlands Constituency, with an impressive turnout of residents expressing overwhelming support for the move to entrench the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) into the Constitution.

Speaking during the forum at the Westlands Constituency offices in Kyuna, MP Hon. Tim Wanyonyi reminded constituents of the fund’s significance since its establishment in 2003 under the leadership of President Mwai Kibaki. He said NG-CDF was created to decentralize development and deliver resources directly to constituencies for grassroots transformation.

“At the time, development funds were stuck at the central government and the grassroots suffered. NG-CDF came in to build your schools, pay fees for your children, and improve local infrastructure,” Hon. Wanyonyi explained.

He warned against attempts by some groups to return management of the fund to the national government, cautioning that this would only hurt ordinary citizens.

“This Bill is not for me — it’s for you, your children, and the future of our constituency. Without NG-CDF, you will suffer, not your MP,” he added.

Hon. Wanyonyi further emphasized the importance of other funds such as the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), which supports women and vulnerable groups, and the proposed Senate Oversight Fund meant to empower senators in monitoring county governments’ use of public resources.

The meeting featured moving accounts from residents who have benefited from NG-CDF projects, reinforcing the community’s resolve to defend and protect the fund.

Phenny Achieng from Gachie spoke of how a dilapidated dormitory at Hospital Hill High School was replaced by a modern facility funded by NG-CDF.

“Our children now have decent, spacious dormitories. NG-CDF has been a blessing. We fully support this bill,” she said.

Jemimah Auma, a Kibagare resident, expressed gratitude for educating her children through NG-CDF bursaries, while youth leader Paul Kware noted that schools like Kihumbuini Primary had been modernized through the fund, making them attractive to local families.

Namsegese from Kangemi appreciated the quick response of NG-CDF in building new classrooms when CBC was introduced, supplying desks, chairs, and ICT equipment without delays.

Single mothers like Evelynn from Kitisuru and Joyce Mae Mwema voiced their support for the bill, having relied on NG-CDF bursaries to educate their children.

“As a single mother, NG-CDF gave my children an education. We need to secure this fund,” said Evelynn.

Marlyne, a youth from City Park, acknowledged receiving university bursaries through NG-CDF and urged for more presence of NGAAF on the ground. 

Aromba Mwando recounted how muddy classrooms were replaced by proper learning facilities thanks to NG-CDF.

Geoffrey Opera called for an increase in the fund’s allocation to ensure more needy students benefit from bursaries.

Wanjiru noted that NG-CDF had dramatically improved school enrolment rates in informal settlements by constructing new schools and facilities.

Over 600 residents took part in the session, demonstrating strong community interest in safeguarding NG-CDF.

Hon. Wanyonyi urged residents to show up in even greater numbers for the final day of public participation scheduled for Wednesday.

“This is your chance to secure the future of our children, improve livelihoods, and demand fair development at the grassroots. Let’s show up and be heard,” he concluded.

May 06, 2025