๐ช๐ฒ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ญ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ฒ๐ (๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ) ๐๐ถ๐น๐น ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐บ
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.
Post a Comment