𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

Members of the National Assembly, yesterday,  raised concern over the continued delay in disbursement of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) and National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).

The debate arose from a Statement delivered by NG-CDF Committee Chairperson, Hon. Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine), in which he indicated that the National Treasury had agreed to make monthly releases of Kshs. 10 Billion to clear the pending balance before the end of this Financial Year.

In the Statement Hon. Sirma said that the total budget allocation for 2023/2024 stands at Kshs. 57.9 billion out of which Kshs. 4.4 billion was allocated to the Fund under Supplementary Estimates. Out of this, Kshs 3.4 Billion was distributed to 290 constituencies as a conditional grant towards construction of classrooms and integrated learning centers with Junior Secondary Schools.

Hon. Sirma added that an additional of Kshs. 1 billion was allocated to the 17 constituencies in Nairobi County for the development of school infrastructure.

In December of 2023, the Treasury released Kshs. 31 billion for bursaries and promised to disburse the remaining balance before the House resumed from the long recess.

Members however, said the pledge by the Treasury was not satisfactory, as budgeted projects had stalled across most constituencies with many learners yet to get bursaries.

Dagoretti-North MP, Hon. Beatrice Elachi noted that it was not the first time the Treasury had made the pledge for timely release of the Funds, and there was need for speedy dispatch of the Funds, as most constituencies are already in distress.

 "I have five schools including St. Georges Schools and State House Girls that I have been forced to do with makeshift classes for them to continue being in school. We need these funds," said Hon. Elachi.

Hon. Martha Wangari (Gilgil) regretted that learners have suffered as they have been kicked out due to lack of fees and the lack of bursaries to bail them out.

“We have suffered and our children especially those in Junior Secondary School are suffering and risk being sent home because there is no infrastructure and lockers in these schools. This money is not for MPs but for the whole country,” said Hon. Wangari.

 Adding his voice on the matter, Leader of the Minority Party, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi urged Members to put their feet down to ensure the monies are disbursed.

"We would have expected to hear from the Chair that this much money has since been disbursed to the constituencies and above the Kshs. 10b received in January. This house must put its foot down,” Hon. Wandayi said.