Increase CDF cash, but tighten laws on its use

Each time MPs canvas for more cash, the public gets sceptical as this group is famous for its recklessness with public cash.

With an election only months away, an MP has suggested that the budget for the Constituency Development Fund be doubled. The proposal is to amend the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Act so that CDF is calculated at five per cent of all the national government’s share of revenue and not the current 2.5 per cent.

At the present rate CDF is allocated about Sh40 billion a year. If the MPs are successful, it will climb to Sh80 billion. The allocation will jump from Sh137 million for each of the 290 constituencies to Sh240 million. The public might as well be forgiven for entertaining a doubt about the motive of such a move.

MPs, even though they play the role of patrons of the kitty, still hold great sway over who sits on the CDF board and by extension influence the choice of businesses that win tenders in their constituencies.

The MPs, to win public confidence, propose the creation of structures for the efficient and prudent management of the fund.

The suggestion should be embraced so the cash is not left in the hands of MPs' puppets to spend as they wish. To whom much is given, much will be required.

Quote of the Day: “You never know what is enough unless you know what is more than enough.”

William Blake  

The English poet and painter died on August 12, 1827