Members of parliament, (MPs) on Tuesday, July 1, unanimously passed the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to anchor three critical development funds into the Constitution, the National Government Constituencies Fund (NG-CDF), the Senate Oversight Fund (SOF), and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
In a rare show of unity during the second reading of the bill the MPs voted in favour, with none opposing. At the Third Reading, 298 MPs supported the Bill, registering a unanimous vote.
The NGCDF is among funds that have seen many vulnerable students access education through bursaries, the funds have also been channeled to schools for infrastructure.
The Bill, co-sponsored by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga was introduced to the House on March 12, 2025 and referred to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs (JLAC) for consideration.
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The National Assembly Committee had conducted public participation across all 290 constituencies and tabled its report on 17th June 2025, the report detailed that majority of submissions supported the proposal,they also demanded increase of allocation to the funds.
MPs said the aim of the constitutional amendment is to provide legal certainty and constitutional protection to the three funds.
The NG-CF is designed to enhance equitable access to national government services, particularly in education and infrastructure at the grassroots level.
The SOF will strengthen the Senate’s oversight role over county governments, while NGAAF will enhance support for vulnerable groups, including women, youth and persons with disabilities.
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Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah said the funds have enabled the national government to fulfil its obligations in education, security and social support..
The High Court of Kenya had declared the NG-CDF unconstitutional. This decision, made in a ruling last year, meant the fund and all its associated projects and programs were to cease operations starting June 30, 2026. This pushed the MPs to amend the law and anchor three critical development funds into the Constitution.
By Obegi Malack
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