Homa Bay County witnessed mixed reactions from residents during a public participation exercise on the proposed Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to entrench the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), and Senate Oversight Fund (SOF) into the Constitution.
The consultative forum, led by parliamentary staffers Mike Kalama and Mohamednur Abdullahi, revealed divided opinions across the county’s eight constituencies Suba North, Suba South, Rangwe, Karachuonyo, Kasipul, Kabondo Kasipul, Ndhiwa, and Homa Bay Town.
In Suba North, some residents voiced their support, citing the positive impact of NG-CDF and NGAAF on local development. Yashon, a participant at the forum, emphasized the importance of enacting laws to ensure proper use of the funds. “There is a need to come up with structural ways of using the funds to avoid misuse by people with vested interests,” he said.
However, in Rangwe, skepticism was evident. Walter Opiyo, head of Bunge La Wenye Nchi in Homa Bay County, cautioned against the unchecked influence of Members of Parliament over fund distribution. “MPs should be barred from employing many of their relatives in the NG-CDF offices. Oversight bodies like the Auditor General and EACC should be strengthened to curb corruption and misuse of public funds,” he said.
Karachuonyo MP Adipo Okuome encouraged his constituents to support the Bill, highlighting successful projects such as educational bursaries, Chiefs’ offices, and security installations funded through NG-CDF. “We all know what the fund has done to us as a people,” he said.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi urged residents to put aside personal interests and consider the broader benefits of decentralization. He emphasized that entrenching the funds in the Constitution would help bring services closer to the people.
As the public participation process continues, it is evident that while many acknowledge the developmental role of the funds, concerns remain about accountability, equity, and governance in their management.
