Westlands, Nairobi — More than 550 residents from across Westlands Constituency gathered yesterday for the third day of public participation forums on the proposed constitutional amendment to entrench the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), and Senate Oversight Fund.
The exercise, held at the Westlands Constituency Offices, saw spirited support from ordinary citizens, youth groups, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), religious leaders, and community elders, who overwhelmingly endorsed the retention and constitutional protection of NG-CDF.
“We are here because Parliament is amending the Constitution to formally entrench NG-CDF, NGAAF, and the Senate Oversight Fund. This will ensure that regardless of who is President, these funds must reach the people,” said Ben Mwonyonyo, Manager at the Westlands Constituency Office.
He highlighted the numerous developments under NG-CDF, including new schools, scholarships, chief’s offices, driving school sponsorships, and police housing projects.
Residents expressed how NG-CDF has directly impacted lives, particularly by improving access to education, youth empowerment, and community infrastructure.
Wellington Khaemba, a resident of Mountain View, noted, “Many children were idle in villages and informal settlements, but NG-CDF has kept them in school. Police officers who once lived in semipermanent houses now have decent homes courtesy of NG-CDF.”
He added that while misuse of funds should be punished, the program must be retained and even strengthened.
Wycliffe Ambundo, from Gachie, recalled educating his children through NG-CDF support, threatening mass protests should the fund be scrapped.
For Steve Oloo, a youth from Kangemi, NG-CDF was life-changing: “I have a driving license today because of NG-CDF. Removing it is killing the hopes of many youth.”
Church leaders also lent their voices to the cause. Pastor Josephat Ngaira praised NG-CDF’s accountability record and emphasized the need to avoid legal disputes that have previously stalled its implementation. He noted that NGAAF’s role in empowering women has been equally transformative.
PWDs shared how NG-CDF and NGAAF have supported their livelihoods, funded assistive devices, diapers, and business grants. Rachel Afundi, a PWD from Kitisuru, emphasized the importance of increasing allocations to meet the diverse needs of marginalized groups.
Youths, too, raised concerns about what scrapping NG-CDF would mean for grassroots talent development. Snaj, a young man from Kangemi, credited NG-CDF for his education, driving license, and opportunities through sports tournaments that have nurtured national footballers like Farouk Shikalo.
Francis Musungu, an elder from Kitisuru, emphasized the fund’s role in enhancing education infrastructure and financing social health insurance for the elderly.
Bodaboda representatives highlighted how over 3,000 riders in Westlands have acquired licenses through NG-CDF training programs. Moses Mukabane, the Bodaboda Chairman in Westlands, called for a constitutional guarantee and increased allocation to expand such initiatives.
The public participation forums conclude today, Thursday, at the Westlands Constituency Office. Residents are encouraged to submit their views if they haven’t already.
Westlands MP Hon. Tim Wanyonyi was away on parliamentary duties but is expected to continue rallying behind the initiative as it progresses through the legislative process.