Mwengi Mutuse Defends NG-CDF as He Disburses Ksh 75.4 Million in Bursaries to Kibwezi West Students

Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Hon. Mwengi Mutuse today presided over the issuance of NG-CDF bursary cheques worth Ksh 75.4 million to schools across his constituency and beyond. The event was held at St. Antony Itiani Secondary School in Nguu/Masumba Ward.

The funds are targeted at supporting the most vulnerable students to access education, with the disbursement carefully timed to coincide with the reopening of schools. Hon. Mutuse emphasized that this move was aimed at easing the financial burden on parents and ensuring student retention in schools.

In his address, Hon. Mutuse strongly defended the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) against criticism, clarifying several key points:

NG-CDF is constitutionally valid and does not contradict devolution, citing the Supreme Court ruling in Senate & 3 Others vs Speaker of the National Assembly & 10 Others delivered on March 31.

NG-CDF is a decentralized national government fund, different from the concept of devolution, and is crucial in taking services closer to wananchi.

The fund is among the most impactful and visible development tools at the grassroots, and efforts to re-centralize it would disadvantage communities.

Under the NG-CDF Act of 2023, MPs no longer manage the fund directly; their role is limited to oversight and representation, correcting outdated perceptions.

Attempts to abolish NG-CDF would result in funds reverting to national ministries, not counties, which would negatively affect local development efforts.

Hon. Mutuse emphasized the need for more resources to be devolved or decentralized closer to the people rather than reversing the progress made so far.

He also expressed his gratitude to the people of Nguu/Masumba Ward for their strong turnout and reiterated his commitment to safeguarding NG-CDF for the betterment of Kibwezi West residents.

Hon. Mutuse was accompanied by Deputy County Commissioners (DCCs), National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) from Nzaui, Makindu, Kibwezi, and Members of County Assembly (MCAs) from Nguu/Masumba, Kikumbulyu North, and Emali/Mulala Wards, among other leaders.