Court ruling won't scrap NG-CDF, MPs reassure Kenyans

MPs Rosa Buyu of Kisumu West (center), Beatrice Elachi of Dagoretti North, and Ongondo Were of Kasipul. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

In a strong stance against the recent court ruling that deemed the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) unconstitutional, three Members of Parliament have assured Kenyans that the fund will remain.

The MPs – Rosa Buyu of Kisumu West, Beatrice Elachi of Dagoretti North, and Ongondo Were of Kasipul – have lauded the NG-CDF for its impact on communities and insisted they will fight to keep it in place.

Beatrice Elachi, a member of the National Assembly Select Committee on the NG-CDF Board, emphasized the fund's significant contributions, which have transformed lives across the country.

“The achievements of the NG-CDF are undeniable. Many families have benefited, and we are committed to ensuring it continues in the years to come,” Elachi said.

The recent High Court ruling, delivered by Justices Roselyn Aburili and Kanyi Kimondo, declared the NG-CDF unconstitutional.

However, the National Assembly has shown intent to appeal the decision, and Elachi suggested that public engagement by the Judiciary could have provided a clearer picture of the fund's importance.

“I wish the Judiciary had come down to hear from the people directly benefiting from these funds,” she said, underlining the fund’s critical role in supporting students from low-income families to pursue higher education.

During a visit to Kisumu West Constituency, where MP Rosa Buyu distributed Sh18 million in bursaries to university, college, and TVET students, Elachi and her colleagues expressed their commitment to safeguarding the fund.

Buyu noted that a total of 1,860 students had received financial assistance to help them stay in school, though disbursements had faced delays, putting parents under pressure to pay fees.

Kasipul MP Ongondo Were also reassured constituents, stating that legislators were working to secure the NG-CDF within the law.

“Let there be no worry. We are prepared to protect the fund by enshrining it into the Constitution,” he said. Were added that lawmakers are focused on stabilizing the NG-CDF framework to ensure its future remains safeguarded from similar challenges.

Buyu acknowledged that recent delays in releasing funds had caused difficulties for parents, but expressed relief that the Sh18 million had now been made available.

She pointed out that, despite the timing, they were committed to making sure these funds reached institutions before the holiday season.

The MPs' message has reinforced their commitment to ensuring the NG-CDF remains an accessible resource for supporting education and local development across Kenya.