The debate is heating up! Should the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) be enshrined in the Constitution or should it be scrapped once and for all? As the conversation intensifies, residents of Turkana South and Turkana North are making their voices heard loud and clear.
In a series of spirited public engagement forums on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill No. 4 of 2025, Turkana residents turned out in impressive numbers to discuss the future of NG-CDF. Opinions flew, voices rose, and passions flared as the community grappled with the burning question: Does NG-CDF truly serve the people, or is it just another bureaucratic mess?
MP Ekwom Nabuin couldn’t help but applaud the vibrant participation, especially from Turkana North. “I commend the people of Turkana North for showing up in good numbers and actively engaging in the constitutional review process,” Nabuin remarked with evident pride. “The community has made its stance clear, and their valuable input will be taken into account during national deliberations.”
But beyond the applause and political praise lies a deeper question, What do YOU think? Is NG-CDF a lifeline that brings development directly to the grassroots, or is it a flawed system ripe for exploitation? Should it be embedded in the Constitution to safeguard its future, or should we cut ties and scrap it altogether?
Supporters argue that NG-CDF is the lifeblood of local development funding education, infrastructure, and community projects. They say anchoring it in the Constitution would protect it from political interference, ensuring a steady flow of resources to the grassroots.
Critics, however, see it differently. They claim that NG-CDF has been marred by corruption, mismanagement, and favoritism, with funds often disappearing without a trace. To them, constitutionalizing NG-CDF would cement a flawed system, making it harder to reform or replace.
One resident passionately declared, “NG-CDF has transformed our schools and roads! Scrapping it would be a disaster for Turkana!” Another countered with equal fervor, “It’s become a political tool a way for MPs to score points while the community suffers. Scrap it!”
The tug-of-war over NG-CDF’s future is a microcosm of a larger national debate. Can it be reformed to genuinely serve the people, or is it fundamentally flawed beyond repair? As the dust settles on the public forums, one thing is certain Turkana has spoken but now it’s your turn!
We want to know Should NG-CDF be scrapped or safeguarded in the Constitution? Share your thoughts!
John Mwariri is a Kenyan investigative journalist and feature writer, covering social justice and community development at The Weekly News (weeklynews.digital).His work focuses on stories of human impact, exploring how public policy, economic shifts, and environmental changes affect everyday lives. Since joining The Weekly News, he has specialized in long-form narratives and in-depth investigations into resource management and land use, bringing distinct voices from across Kenya to national attention.Current Role: Investigative & Feature Writer, The Weekly NewsCore Beats: Social justice, community development, resource management, climate change impact.Background: Holds a Master’s degree in Communications. Before his time at The Weekly News, John was a features contributor for environmental publications and worked in grassroots media development.Editorial Approach: Committed to giving voice to the voiceless, with an emphasis on sustainable solutions and community resilience in Kenya.
