VIHIGA, Kenya – Leaders from Kenya’s Western region have strongly reaffirmed their support for the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), calling them essential for grassroots development and economic empowerment.
The lawmakers made their statements during an empowering event and fundraising drive held at Friends Secondary School in Shamakhokho, Vihiga County, where they urged citizens to actively participate in the upcoming public participation sessions aimed at entrenching these funds into the Kenyan Constitution.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, underscored the importance of transitioning from divisive political rhetoric to more productive, development-oriented conversations.
“We must reduce politics and deepen development conversations. If leaders lack a strong connection with the people, their political journeys will be short-lived. Let our relationship with our people be built on service,” Wetang’ula said.
His words were echoed by various Western MPs, including Dick Maungu (Luanda), who addressed some of the misconceptions surrounding NG-CDF.
“This is not money for Members of Parliament, it belongs to the people and is managed by a board, not MPs,” Maungu clarified.
He further emphasized that every penny of NG-CDF is meant to improve the lives of the grassroots population, urging residents to come out during the public participation sessions to voice their opinions on the future of the fund.
Women, who are the backbone of our families and communities, remain at the heart of this movement. We are here to walk with them, support their ventures, and affirm that sustainable development starts at the grassroots.As SHA registration continues across the country, Cabinet
Ernest Kagesi (Vihiga) similarly encouraged active participation, noting, “Come out on Monday and share your views on the future of NG-CDF during the public participation. Your voice matters in determining the future of this crucial fund.”
Fred Ikana (Shinyalu) spoke passionately about the transformative impact of both NG-CDF and NGAAF in improving lives at the grassroots level. “These funds are directly changing our communities. They are building schools, creating opportunities, and giving our children a future,” Ikana stated, reinforcing the funds’ potential to continue transforming Kenya’s underserved areas.
MP Marianne Kaitany also shared her support, noting, “The fund is building schools, creating opportunities, and giving our children a future. I urge everyone to show up during public participation, let the government hear you.”
Defending the integrity of the NG-CDF, Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North) clarified that the fund is not controlled by MPs, but rather managed by an independent board, ensuring transparency and accountability.
“If this fund didn’t exist, many schools would still be in deplorable conditions. While we must root out corruption, we cannot dismantle tools that are working for Kenyans,” Elachi said, urging that safeguards be put in place without dismantling systems that work.
In line with supporting women’s empowerment and youth development, Elsie Muhanda expressed her backing for NGAAF, calling it a game-changer for many.
“NGAAF has brought real change, women and youth are thriving. These funds are here to stay. The people want them, and as leaders, we are listening,” she emphasized.
MP Kakai Bissau (Kiminini) concluded the session by stressing the importance of maintaining transparency in the management of NG-CDF and NGAAF.
“These are the quickest funds that reach the people. They’ve provided bursaries, developed schools, and lifted families. Let us safeguard them,” Bissau said.
As public discussions surrounding the NG-CDF and NGAAF continue, Western leaders are standing firm in their commitment to ensure that these funds remain central to the country’s development goals.
They are calling for greater engagement from citizens to ensure that these tools continue to serve their intended purpose—helping the people and communities that need them most.
With the public participation sessions set to begin on Monday, leaders are encouraging all Kenyans to take part in shaping the future of the country’s development funds.
Our call today is simple, let’s shift the national discourse from politics to development. Political careers may be short-lived without a strong, meaningful connection to the people. It’s time we focused on forging genuine partnerships with our constituents, partnerships grounded
