NAIROBI, Kenya – Several constituencies in the Mt Kenya region have emerged as the top gainers in the latest National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) allocation formula, according to data from the NG-CDF board.
Kinangop, Kieni, Mwea, Ruiru, and Naivasha, each allocated Sh206 million, are the highest beneficiaries in this financial year.
Apart from the Mt Kenya constituencies, Bobasi in Kisii County and Kanduyi in Bungoma also feature prominently among the top earners.
Broad Regional Gains
The new allocation formula has also benefited constituencies in populous regions across the country.
Twenty-three constituencies, including those in Western and Rift Valley, are set to receive Sh197 million each.
Notable among these are Turkana West, Cherangany, Soy, and Mosop in Rift Valley, as well as Karachuonyo and Ndhiwa in Nyanza.
The Coast region has its share of winners, with Kisauni, Kinango, and Kilifi North among those allocated Sh197 million.
Constituencies from the expansive northern counties, such as Wajir North and Moyale, have also received significant allocations.
Population-Based Formula Sparks Debate
The allocation reflects the “one man, one shilling” philosophy, favoring more populous regions.
This formula, similar to the controversial revenue-sharing approach by the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA), gives population the most weight in determining allocations.
The CRA formula assigns 42 percent weight to the population, a substantial increase from the previous 18 percent.
CRA Chair Mary Chebukati emphasized that the formula aims to ensure no county is disadvantaged.
However, this shift has sparked debates among lawmakers, particularly those from less populous areas who feel shortchanged.
Leaders from the North Eastern region on Monday called on the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) to abandon its newly proposed revenue-sharing formula, which prioritises population as the key basis for allocation among devolved units. eastleighvoice.co.ke/northern-kenya…
Disparities and Dissatisfaction
While some constituencies celebrate increased funding, others face reduced allocations.
Tetu, Ndia, Mathioya, and Kangema are among the 21 constituencies receiving the lowest amount, Sh161 million, from Sh157 million the previous year.
Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu sees the new formula as addressing historical inequities, particularly in vast regions.
“It didn’t make sense for constituencies to get equal shares despite having different geographical challenges,” he noted.
Conversely, Sirisia MP John Walukhe criticized the formula, arguing that it forces constituencies to cut down on development projects.
A Temporary Measure?
The NG-CDF allocations have seen a consistent increase, with the fund reaching Sh54.8 billion this year.
However, its future remains uncertain as a court ruling declared the fund unconstitutional, giving MPs until June 2026 to complete ongoing projects.
Rift Valley constituencies have received a total of Sh12.8 billion, while Mt Kenya West gets Sh7.3 billion.
Nairobi’s allocation stands at Sh3 billion, reflecting the diverse impact of the new formula across the country.
