Work stalls as CDF team rejected
More than 100 constituencies are operating without money for development projects after MPs rejected a new list of board members.
The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) board members’ list was sent to the House for approval by Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru.
The National Assembly’s CDF Committee refused to approve three proposed names, hence delaying the transfer of money to 137 constituencies that are yet to receive funds this financial year.
The board is currently not fully constituted after the term of former members expired in September. No money can be remitted to the constituencies without the approval of the board.
The committee, in a report adopted by the House last Thursday, only approved Mr Elias Mbau, a former MP, and rejected others on the grounds that they were not qualified to be CDF board members.
“The committee agreed that the nominee was qualified for the post and would articulate his leadership and expertise in the financial matters if appointed as a CDF board member. It was also noted that he is not in full time employment,” said the members with regard to Mr Mbau.
REJECTED
The three names rejected are Dr Margaret Jepkirui, Dr Mike Iravo and Mr Hillary Nyaanga.
The term of the former board chaired by Jennifer Barasa expired before it could release money to the constituencies.
Names of the four were sent for the House for approval on December 3, through a letter to the National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi by Ms Waiguru. The CDF Act 2013 gives the CS the mandate to nominate board members for approval.
The committee chaired by Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet lavished praise on their former colleague Mr Mbau saying he was the right man to lead the Board.
Mr Mbau was Maragua MP from 2003 until he lost the seat last year.
“Over the ten-year period as MP for Maragua, he harnessed both public and private resources to uplift the standards of those living below the poverty line,” the committee said.
They disapproved the others saying their hands were already tied, and they would not get time to serve.
