Githunguri Member of Parliament (MP) Gathoni Wamuchomba has proposed changes to the formula used to share the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
In her legislative proposal dubbed the NG-CDF (Amendment) Bill 2023, Wamuchomba argues that Constituencies with huge populations are disadvantaged by the current allocation formular.
The MP states that the existing formula lays more focus on the number of wards in the constituency irrespective of the individual needs based on the population index.
Eldama Ravine MP, Musa Sirma-led NG-CDF Committee met Wamuchomba on February 27 regarding her proposal. 
At the same time, the Committee sought to know from the legislator the implications of the proposal, and to offer additional input before drafting a Report that precedes the publication stage.
The fund has an annual budgetary allocation totaling at least 2.5% of the National Government’s share of revenues.
Of this, 75% is shared equally among all the 290 constituencies, with the remaining 25% being distributed on the basis of the number of wards in each constituency.
Wamuchomba asks committee to make amendments to her proposal
According to Wamuchomba, densely populated Constituencies; especially those in cosmopolitan areas with massive influx of non-residents are constrained in funding of critical NG-CDF functions such education bursaries.
She requested the Committee to introduce further amendments to the proposal to fix all other existing disparities in order to realize a more equitable distribution of the kitty, which may not be captured in the proposal.
“The Committee may propose other parameters for inclusion in the formula in allocation of funds to constituencies such as infrastructure, land size and poverty index,” suggested Wamuchomba.
Committee to draft a report
Sirma noted the urgency and necessity of the legislative proposal to be published as a Bill, indicating that the Committee would share further amendments to enhance it.
“We shall meet this Thursday to draft a Report on this. I must admit that this is a very impressive legislative proposal which raises very critical issues,” said Hon. Sirma.
If approved by the Committee, the legislative proposal, alongside any other amendments from the Sirma led team will be published as a Bill and subjected to all the subsequent legislative processes.
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What is NG-CDF
NG-CDF is established under the NG-CDF Act, 2015 as amended in 2016.
The main purpose of the Fund is to address socio-economic development of the people at the constituency level in order to reduce poverty and enhance regional equity.
In addition, the Fund is domiciled within the ministry in charge of National Economic Policy & Planning, currently The National Treasury and Planning.
It is managed by the National Government CDF Board at the National level, the NG-CDF committees at the constituency level and the project Management Committees (PMC) at the constituency level.
Also Read: MPs Allocated Sh2.9 billion for NG-CDF Kitty
Eligible Projects
It funds projects falling within the functions of the National Government as outlined in the constitution of Kenya will be funded.
Additionally, it funds projects that are community based in order to ensure that the prospective benefits are availed to a widespread cross-section of the inhabitants of a particular area.
Ineligible Projects
NG-CDF does not support the following projects;
- Funds should not be used to finance religious bodies/activities and political bodies/activities.
- Projects falling within the devolved functions such as water & Health.
- The projects that are recurrent in nature.
- Projects benefiting individuals and or small groups of people.
- Those involving personal awards whether in cash or kind.
Githunguri Member of Parliament (MP) Gathoni Wamuchomba addressing the NG-CDF Committee on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. PHOTOParliament.
