In a decisive move that could reshape Kenya’s development landscape, Members of Parliament have passed a constitutional amendment bill to entrench three critical funds: the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NG-AAF), and the Senate Oversight Fund.
On July 1, 304 MPs voted in favor of the amendment during its second reading, while 298 backed it in the third and final reading. The overwhelming support demonstrates rare bipartisan unity on an issue many legislators argue directly affects grassroots development.
The bill, initially tabled by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, seeks to anchor the three funds into the Constitution, offering legal clarity and protection. Proponents of the bill say the move will safeguard these funds from legal uncertainties and court challenges that have previously threatened their operation.
Currently, NG-CDF supports projects such as school bursaries, road construction, and water supply in all 290 constituencies. NG-AAF focuses on empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups, while the Senate Oversight Fund enables senators to monitor and report on the usage of devolved funds in counties.
MPs who supported the amendment emphasized its potential to improve service delivery at the grassroots. Minority Leader Junet Mohammed stressed that the bill serves public interest, not political convenience. “This is not about MPs; it’s about ensuring that Kenyans continue to benefit from local development projects,” he said.
Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro echoed this view, stating that constitutional anchoring would ensure transparency and accountability, not misuse. Tharaka MP George Murugara emphasized that the amendment complements devolution rather than undermines it. “These funds don’t compete with county allocations; they strengthen local support systems,” he explained.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo clarified that counties face legal barriers in issuing bursaries and other direct support services. Therefore, these national funds remain essential in filling service delivery gaps, especially in education and infrastructure.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where it will require a two-thirds majority to proceed. If approved, it will go to the President for assent. The amendment would then officially become part of the Constitution, marking one of the few successful constitutional changes since the 2010 promulgation.
