Bungoma, Kenya — The Mt. Elgon Development Network has called for Members of Parliament (MPs) to be stripped of control over the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), arguing that the current setup fosters corruption and political manipulation.
In a memorandum submitted to a National Assembly committee conducting public participation forums in Bungoma, the group proposed that NG-CDF funds be managed independently, away from MPs. The forum is part of a nationwide effort to collect public views on whether to retain or scrap the NG-CDF.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, Pius Muyeyi, a leader of the Network, emphasized that MPs should stick to their constitutional roles of legislation, representation, and oversight. He argued that their involvement in managing development funds has resulted in widespread misuse and politicization.
“As the members of Mt. Elgon Development Network, we propose that all MPs from the 290 constituencies be delinked from controlling the NG-CDF funds to seal corruption gaps,” Muyeyi said.
He proposed that NG-CDF be restructured into a conditional grant administered through the line ministries of the national and county governments. Additionally, he recommended the formation of independent committees at the constituency level, chaired by Deputy County Commissioners, to oversee the implementation of development projects agreed upon through public participation.
“The funds should be devolved further to the sub-location and village levels to ensure equity and transparency,” Muyeyi added.
On education, Muyeyi called for the separation of bursary funds from NG-CDF and for such support to be channeled directly to schools, advocating for free and compulsory basic education. He expressed concern that MPs have used the fund as a political weapon, rewarding supporters and sidelining opponents.
“The funds are often weaponized by MPs, who use them as bait for political loyalty or to punish dissenting voices,” he stated. “This undermines accountability and leads to inequality in service delivery.”
He further argued that the NG-CDF, in its current form, lacks clear boundaries on its use, enabling MPs to exploit the fund for personal political gain, in violation of constitutional principles.
“The Constitution under Article 174 outlines the objectives of devolution, including the decentralization of services. Continued MP control of these funds not only undermines devolution but also breaches the principle of separation of powers,” Muyeyi emphasized.
Supporting the call, Joseph Ngomat, another member of the Network, pointed out that the implementation of development projects is a function of the Executive, not Parliament.
“Articles 94, 95, and 96 of the Constitution clearly define the mandates of the National Assembly and the Senate,” Ngomat noted. “Parliament’s core function is to legislate, represent, and oversee, not to implement.”
The Mt. Elgon Development Network has urged the National Assembly to consider these proposals in the ongoing debate on the future of the NG-CDF, saying the changes are vital for transparency, accountability, and constitutional compliance.
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