Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has opposed a proposal by senators to scrap the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF).
He said the senators were misguided to demand the kitty's abolition, terming their suggestion as ill-advised.
Kaluma said the NG-CDF has done a tremendous job improving schools’ infrastructure, adding that it has given many institutions a lifeline after years of neglect.
“The kitty has not only rebuilt our schools but has also ensured that we have schools deep in remote areas where no schools existed,” Kaluma said.
Those pushing for the funds to be channelled through the county governments were ignorant of the pitfalls that would follow, Kaluma claimed.
“If the Senators get their way, the Ministry of Education's top brass would be tempted to divert the money to their regions while excluding others,” he alleged.
The long-serving MP told senators to stop being jealous of members of the National Assembly, arguing that the NG-CDF Act was earlier amended to remove MPs from the fund's implementation structures.
“MPs are no longer members of NG-CDF Committees, nor are they patrons or members of constituency oversight committees. NG-CDF is currently operated by the Executive through the NG-CDF Board in Nairobi, with the participation of the people at the grassroots,” Kaluma said.
He told those proposing the changes to push the government to make education free for all first.
“Both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio promised free education during campaigns. Let those fighting NG-CDF create accountable systems to guarantee free education," Kaluma said.
He also criticised senators for demanding an oversight fund.
“Senators earn well to perform their roles, including oversight. What's the ‘Oversight Fund’ they are demanding? Do they want to be funded to do the work they are paid for?” he posed.
