Action for Sustainable Change (AFOSC Kenya) has called on Members of Parliament to ensure that the proposed Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2025, which seeks to entrench various development funds, including the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), into the Constitution, is more responsive to the needs of marginalized communities.
Speaking during a public participation forum in Takaba, Mandera West Constituency, AFOSC Kenya’s Executive Director, Mohamed Sheikh, emphasized the importance of aligning the proposed legislation with the equitable development needs of these underserved regions. Sheikh stressed that the legislation should be designed to foster transparency in resource allocation and ensure that marginalized communities are not left behind in the development process.
“The proposed Bill must ensure equitable development by prioritizing the needs of communities that have long been sidelined. Public participation is not just a constitutional requirement but a critical tool in shaping policies that directly impact citizens. It is essential that we focus on enhancing transparency, community oversight, and the equitable distribution of resources,” Sheikh remarked.
The forum in Mandera West was part of a nationwide initiative to gather public opinions on the NG-CDF Bill. It brought together community members, civil society organizations, and government officials to deliberate on how the proposed amendment can be more inclusive and effective in addressing the diverse needs of Kenyans.
AFOSC Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance and accountability through the proposed reforms. The lobby group has emphasized the need for the fund to remain under the control of MPs rather than being returned to the National Treasury. Many participants in the nationwide public participation exercise echoed similar sentiments, urging the national government to not only maintain the fund’s control at the constituency level but to also increase its allocation to better serve the communities.
As discussions around the proposed Bill continue, AFOSC Kenya and other stakeholders remain steadfast in advocating for a fairer and more transparent system of resource allocation that takes into account the unique needs of marginalized groups across the country.
