- Four nominees for appointment to the NG-CDF Board appeared before a National Assembly committee for vetting.
- Lawmakers questioned them on bursaries, transparency, procurement, inclusivity and the future of the Fund.
- The committee is expected to table a report before Parliament for approval or rejection of the nominees.
By Joseph Mambili
Four nominees seeking appointment to the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Board appeared before the National Assembly Committee on NG-CDF for vetting as lawmakers scrutinized their qualifications, experience and views on key issues affecting the Fund.
The exercise was led by Committee Chairperson and Eldama Ravine MP Hon. Musa Sirma, who presided over the session in which Ms. Komora Yvonne Nsunsu, Ms. Manyanga Yvonne Boyani, Mr. Mutua Fidelis Kiketi and Mr. Morris Putita Kaaka made their case before Members of Parliament.
The nominees outlined their professional backgrounds and shared their vision for strengthening the management, transparency and impact of the NG-CDF should they be approved by Parliament.
Concerns over future of NG-CDF
Ms. Komora, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi, told the committee that she brings extensive experience in partnership development and engagement, project management and strategic leadership.
During her appearance, Kitutu Masaba MP Hon. Clive Gisairo sought her views on the potential implications of a Supreme Court decision against the NG-CDF.
“If the Supreme Court rules to the abolition of NG-CDF what is your opinion on how it will impact the community,” the legislator asked.
In response, Ms. Komora observed that the Fund has played a significant role in supporting education for bright but needy students and improving infrastructure projects that directly benefit communities.
Debate over bursary consolidation
The second nominee, Ms. Manyanga Yvonne Boyani, a lawyer currently serving as Group Legal at Dawa Life Sciences Ltd, was questioned on the proposal to merge all government bursaries into a single fund.
She argued that the current NG-CDF bursary structure has had a direct impact on vulnerable learners and families, warning that merging the funds could create administrative challenges.
“As is now, it is really impactful and beneficial to all the deserving vulnerable cases. Merging them all will result in a lot of complexities and some areas will miss out,” she said.
Ms. Boyani further noted that the Fund could benefit from increased allocations to expand its positive impact across constituencies.
Nominee pledges
The third nominee, Mr. Mutua Fidelis Kiketi, a Person with Disability (PWD), Bachelor of Commerce graduate and CPA-K holder, pledged to champion inclusivity if appointed to the Board.
He told lawmakers that he would ensure persons with disabilities receive services in line with constitutional requirements.
Mr. Mutua also cited his expertise in accounting and procurement, saying he would ensure strict adherence to the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015 in all Board operations.
Transparency and accountability
The final nominee, Mr. Morris Putita Kaaka, a former Chief Officer in the County Treasury of the Kajiado County Government, faced questions on transparency, accountability and the public perception of corruption often associated with county governments.
Committee members sought assurances that he would uphold integrity and ensure prudent management of public resources if approved.
Responding to the concerns, Mr. Kaaka pledged to promote equitable allocation of resources and evidence-based budgeting across constituencies.
“I will ensure that resources allocated go to the intended purpose. I will also ensure there is public participation on projects and the locals are involved for transparency purposes,” Mr. Kaaka said.
Lawmakers further pressed him on how he would ensure adherence to best practices in the utilization of NG-CDF resources.
“What are these best practices on how NG-CDF should be utilized? Will you abuse your position to do projects in your constituency and later undermine your area MP,” the nominee was asked.
In his defence, Mr. Kaaka assured the committee that he would not interfere with project selection or implementation and would instead be guided by existing laws, policies and established Board procedures.
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Following the completion of the vetting exercise, the Committee is expected to prepare a report on the nominees and table it before the National Assembly for consideration and debate.
The House will then determine whether the four nominees are approved to serve as members of the NG-CDF Board.
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