Despite ongoing rains at the Coast, hundreds of residents have braved the chilly weather to participate in public hearings on a proposed amendment bill.
The bill is seeking to anchor the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), and the Senate Oversight Fund in the constitution.
The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, National Assembly Bill No 4 of 2025, follows a High Court ruling last year that declared the NG-CDF Act unconstitutional.
The court directed that the fund and all its projects cease to operate by next year.
This came after a 2022 Supreme Court decision, which held that the Constituencies Development Fund Act, 2013, was unconstitutional and violated the principle of separation of powers.
The apex court ruled that allowing members of Parliament to manage the funds breached laws on the Division of Revenue and Public Finance.
At the time of the ruling, however, the 2013 Act had already been replaced by the NG-CDF Act, 2015, which was intended to address flaws identified in the earlier law.
Nevertheless, the High Court later found the 2015 law equally unconstitutional.
In Jomvu constituency, Mombasa, residents called for the retention of the NG-CDF and an increase in its allocation, saying the fund has significantly contributed to the construction of schools, health facilities and bursary support for needy students.
Resident Margaret Ouma said the fund should be entrenched in the constitution for the sake of future generations.
“The fund has played a key role in unlocking development projects in rural areas such as roads and street lighting,” she said, adding that its removal would be devastating for many families.
Resident Profesa Naman urged the government to increase rather than scrap the fund.
“Its impact can be felt all the way to the grassroots level, particularly in infrastructure development,” he said.
Sofia Wawuda said the NG-CDF has transformed lives by enabling needy learners to transition from primary to university education.
“It has broken generational cycles of poverty,” she said.
Jomvu MP Badi Twalib said residents were satisfied with how the funds have been used.
“There is value for money, and the community has seen real impact,” Twalib, a three-term legislator, said.
He said the public views would be compiled and submitted to the National Assembly.
In Malindi, residents also voiced strong support for the NG-CDF and NGAAF, citing their benefits to local communities.
The public participation forum was overseen by the Legal Counsel Office in the National Assembly, led by Lynette Otieno, alongside NG-CDF Coast regional coordinator Stela Kayo and Malindi NG-CDF fund manager Johnson Karanja.
The officials guided residents on how to submit their views in writing.
Otieno said the exercise will conclude on May 10, after which a report will be tabled in the National Assembly and later in the Senate for consideration.
