United Democratic Alliance (UDA) National Organising Secretary Vincent Kawaya has urged ODM leader Raila Odinga to reconsider his calls for the transfer of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) to county governments.
He cautioned that such a move could spark widespread discontent among lawmakers and beneficiaries of the fund.
Kawaya, who is also the MP for Mwala, said while UDA is open to collaborating with Raila in shaping the next government, altering the management of NG-CDF remains a sensitive matter.
“I am persuaded to correct Raila. We are going to work with him to form the next government, but he needs to draw the boundary. Keep off NG-CDF,” Kawaya said.
Speaking during a Boda Boda empowerment event in Kabati, Kitui West constituency, Kawaya argued that Raila’s proposal risks generating tension, especially among MPs who view the fund as central to grassroots development.
“There should be no discussion to hand over the kitty to governors,” Kawaya said. “A governor will have Sh15 billion, and it has not been demonstrated to work effectively. What difference will this Sh100 million do?”
The legislator further noted that NG-CDF has been instrumental in supporting education and other community development projects. He added that even the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which Raila played a key role in shaping, recommends the fund’s entrenchment in the Constitution.
“One of the key players in the NADCO report is ODM leader Raila Odinga,” he said. “We are in agreement that we must work together and unite the country, but we are in disagreement over the future of NG-CDF.”
Kawaya’s remarks come amid debate within ODM ranks over Raila’s stance on the matter.
Several ODM-allied MPs have also opposed the idea of transferring the fund to county governments, warning that it could limit access to education and grassroots development initiatives.
Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Ombane Gisairo added his voice, urging Raila’s advisors to handle the matter carefully.
“Those around our party leader should exercise caution so that he is not put in a difficult political position,” Gisairo said.
The NG-CDF, which allocates funds directly to constituencies, has for years been used to address local development needs, particularly in education through the construction of classrooms, provision of bursaries, and improvement of school infrastructure.
