The National Assembly Committee on National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) has vetted four nominees for appointment as Board members, in a session marked by scrutiny over governance, accountability, and the future of the Fund amid ongoing legal and policy debates.
The session, chaired by Eldama Ravine MP Hon. Musa Sirma, assessed the suitability of Ms. Komora Yvonne Nsunsu, Ms. Manyanga Yvonne Boyani, Mr. Mutua Fidelis Kiketi, and Mr. Morris Putita Kaaka, all of whom defended their qualifications and experience before Members of Parliament.
Ms. Komora Yvonne Nsunsu, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi, told the Committee that she brings strong expertise in partnership development, project management, engagement, and strategic leadership.
She highlighted NG-CDF’s role in community development, particularly in education and infrastructure, noting its impact on vulnerable learners and local development projects.
During the vetting, Kitutu Masaba MP Hon. Clive Gisairo raised concerns about the possible implications of abolishing NG-CDF should the Supreme Court rule in favour of petitioners challenging the Fund’s legality.
“If the Supreme Court rules in favour of the abolition of NG-CDF, what is your opinion on how it will impact the community?” he asked.
Ms. Komora responded that NG-CDF has been instrumental in supporting education for needy but bright students and improving essential infrastructure within communities.
Debate on consolidation of bursary funds
Ms. Manyanga Yvonne Boyani, a legal professional working as Group Legal at Dawa Life Sciences Ltd, also appeared before the Committee.
She was asked about proposals to merge government bursary schemes into a single kitty. She cautioned that such a move could reduce efficiency in service delivery.
“As is now, it is really impactful and beneficial to all the deserving vulnerable cases. Merging them all will result in a lot of complexities and some areas will miss out,” she said, adding that NG-CDF would benefit from increased allocation to enhance its reach and effectiveness.
Mr. Mutua Fidelis Kiketi, a Person with Disability (PWD), CPA-K holder, and Bachelor of Commerce graduate, told MPs that he would prioritize inclusion of PWDs in access to services if appointed.
He pledged to uphold constitutional principles in service delivery and ensure compliance with procurement laws.
“Given an opportunity, I will ensure that PWDs are factored to get services according to the Constitution,” he said, adding that his background in accounting and procurement would help enforce adherence to the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015.
Transparency and accountability emphasis
The final nominee, Mr. Morris Putita Kaaka, a former Chief Officer in the Kajiado County Treasury, faced questions on governance, transparency, and accountability, given concerns often raised about corruption in county systems.
MPs asked how he would ensure integrity in managing NG-CDF resources if appointed.
Mr. Kaaka assured the Committee that he would uphold transparency, equity, and adherence to legal frameworks.
“I will ensure that resources allocated go to the intended purpose. I will also ensure there is public participation on projects and the locals are involved for transparency purposes,” he said.
He further emphasized that project implementation would be guided strictly by law and established Board procedures.
The National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) is a key devolved development mechanism that finances grassroots projects across Kenya’s constituencies, with a strong focus on education, security infrastructure, and community development initiatives.
Over the years, the Fund has played a significant role in improving access to education through bursaries, supporting construction of schools and police posts, and funding small-scale community projects. However, it has also faced legal and policy scrutiny, with court petitions challenging its constitutionality and calls from various stakeholders for reforms or consolidation of public bursary systems.
These ongoing legal questions have intensified parliamentary interest in strengthening governance structures and oversight mechanisms within the NG-CDF framework.
The Committee is now expected to compile a report on the vetting exercise, which will be tabled in the National Assembly for debate and subsequent approval or rejection of the nominees. The report will inform the reconstitution of the NG-CDF Board, a key institution responsible for overseeing constituency-level development funding across the country.
