Lurambi MP Titus Khamala has revealed that they have decided to abolish the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF) in order to pacify the protesting youth.
In a pointer to a secret pact among MPs to hit back, Khamala regretted the ongoing attacks and sharp criticisms they faced from Gen Zs regarding their use of the money.
He stated that the protesters have disregarded the positive impact of the funds on society.
“Sisi kama wabunge tumeongea kwa kauli moja (as MPs we have unanimously agreed) that this CDF which is giving us problems and getting us abused all over be removed to make these Gen Zs happy,” he said.
According to the Member of Parliament, the funds, particularly the bursaries, have helped numerous orphans and vulnerable children, who, he noted, will now need to seek assistance from the county and the ministry.
“They will now be seeking HELB and will also be looking for the Minister of Education or go to the county. Prepare yourselves now for life without CDF,” he stated.
In November 2023, members of parliament enacted legislation raising the allocation of educational bursary funds from 35 to 40 per cent of the NGCDF.
Each MP would receive an annual allocation ranging from Ksh180 million to Ksh220 million.
Most of the NGCDF funds are allocated towards education (78.2 per cent), security (5.7 per cent), and climate change initiatives (1.6%), with the remainder distributed among other projects.
Of the 78.2 per cent allocated to education, these funds include bursaries intended for underprivileged children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The NGCDF allocates around Ksh15 billion each year towards bursaries.
On an annual basis, approximately 1.2 million underprivileged students benefit, as reported by the NGCDF Board.
The Treasury has recently announced a reduction in allocations by Ksh15 billion, potentially impacting bursaries for thousands of students and school projects alike. This addresses the budget deficits resulting from the rejection of the Finance Bill, 2024.
MPs have set aside up to Ksh51 billion for themselves in this fiscal year.
The lawmakers, currently on recess, are facing scrutiny for their handling of funds, amid reports suggesting that many are redirecting them to unintended purposes.
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