There was disquiet in the National Assembly plenary sitting yesterday after MPs threatened to paralyse House business over the continued delay in disbursement of NG-CDF billions.
The legislators, taking issue with the National Treasury and questioning the government’s commitment to NG-CDF, said only funds for the first quarter of the financial year had been released—a move that had strained families and school-going children who depend on the money. They also vowed to defend the fund from “other quarters” pushing for its scrapping, despite a court ruling directing its winding up by next year.
The unrest in the House began after Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen rose on a point of order and demanded the summoning of Treasury CS John Mbadi. He protested Mbadi’s failure to appear before Parliament last week to explain the delay in disbursing National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) monies.
“The concern of all of us this afternoon is about CDF. Mr Speaker, last week you communicated that the CS Treasury was to appear before us regarding NG-CDF. But schools are reopening in under ten days, and the kids will return without bursaries. The CS has not honoured his word. He said funds would be released weekly. So far, only one quarter has been released. This afternoon, order number one is CDF and NGAAF,” stated Bowen.
Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu blasted Mbadi for the delay. “I’ve been in this House for many years, and I want to confirm that this is the worst year in terms of NG-CDF disbursement. We even have Treasury leadership from this House, yet things are getting worse,” he said.
Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere highlighted the impact of NG-CDF and urged the CS to act swiftly.
“I want the CS to hear this: If he’s coming tomorrow, he must come after disbursing the funds to our accounts and bring proof. Otherwise, we’ll hold him here until it’s done,” said Korere.
Eldas MP Aden Keynan added, “As leaders, we must suspend everything else until the issue of KeRRA, KURA, and NG-CDF is resolved. No more business.”
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula moved quickly to avert a walkout, calling its contemplation “cowardly.”
“It is extremely cowardly for MPs, who have all the constitutional powers, to boycott their duties. You’ve impeached a Minister and a Deputy President—you hold immense power. How do you run away from your own House?” he posed.
He urged members to allow Mbadi to appear and explain the matter.
“It’s only tomorrow—not the next day, not Thursday or Friday—tomorrow or nothing. If you agree with your Speaker, we proceed. If you don’t, and don’t wish to carry on with business, then don’t disrupt the House. Let those who want to work continue,” Wetang’ula added.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah emphasized the transformational impact of the NG-CDF and pushed for its entrenchment.
“There are areas where children wouldn’t attend school if not for NG-CDF. The government may boast about 14,000 classrooms, but NG-CDF builds far more in a year,” he noted.
“Through NG-CDF, children access education, security is enhanced through the construction of police posts, and burdens are lifted off the national government. The CS has no choice.” he concluded firmly.
