NAIROBI, Kenya – Members of Parliament have voiced frustration over persistent delays in the disbursement of funds by the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) Board, warning that stalled projects are hurting communities across the country.
During a heated parliamentary session on Tuesday, lawmakers—led by Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu—called out the Treasury for failing to release the funds, despite earlier assurances from Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
Mulu accused the government of neglecting its obligations, saying the delays were undermining development at the constituency level.
“I believe the Executive is taking this House for a ride. The CS Treasury had given us commitments in terms of timelines for the release of the NG-CDF disbursements. We are now in March, and nothing has been honoured. We cannot continue this way,” Mulu said.
The delay has sparked concerns about the fate of key constituency projects, particularly in education, infrastructure, and community support programmes.
“This is a very serious issue, Mr. Speaker, and it is Kenyans who are suffering,” Eldas MP Adan Keynan said. “As a House, we are accountable to the people who elected us and to the Constitution of Kenya.”
With the financial year nearing its close, Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo warned that the delays could lead to audit complications and inefficiencies in project implementation.
“By failing to release these funds, I foresee audit issues next year. Kenyans are likely not going to get value for money because there isn’t enough time to complete projects,” he said.
Beyond the delays, MPs also took issue with proposed reductions in NG-CDF allocations under the 2025/2026 Budget Policy Statement.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi noted that the allocation had been slashed by Sh38 billion, despite NG-CDF being one of the most effective government initiatives.
“In the current Budget Policy Statement, I have noted several areas of real concern, key among them being a reduction in the NG-CDF allocation. This fund has minimal pending bills and transparent procurement processes,” Omondi said.
In response to the MPs’ concerns, Speaker Farah Maalim directed the House leadership to summon NG-CDF Board CEO Yusuf Mbuno.
He is expected to appear before a parliamentary committee next Tuesday to explain the delays and outline when the funds will be disbursed.
With frustration mounting, lawmakers are now pushing for urgent action to prevent further disruption of crucial constituency projects.
