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Thika Town Member of Parliament Alice Ng’ang’a has strongly defended the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) Act of 2015, asserting that it plays a crucial role in funding grassroots government projects.

Her remarks came after she toured junior secondary school projects in Gumuchu and Gatumaini.

Ng’ang’a emphasized that the NG-CDF is the only visible mark of government intervention at the local level.

She argued that critics of the fund often do not understand its importance, particularly those whose children attend private schools.

“We have seen this across the country, from Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Tana River to Busia and other regions. The only mark of government at the grassroots level is NG-CDF projects. Some schools have classrooms but lack laboratories, while others have laboratories but lack classrooms. Most of these classrooms have been built by NG-CDF. Those calling for the abolition of NG-CDF are often disconnected from the reality of our public education system,” Ng’ang’a stated.

She highlighted the financial struggles of parents, noting that many families rely on limited resources to sustain themselves.

“If we start asking parents to pay for school needs, education will become unaffordable, and many children will be unable to attend school,” she added.

Last week, the High Court declared the NG-CDF Act 2015 unconstitutional. Justices Kanyi Kimondo, Mugure Thande, and Roselyne Aburili ruled that the fund and all its associated projects would cease to operate on June 30, 2026.

Despite ruling the 2015 Act unconstitutional, the court decided to allow its operations to continue until the specified date, ensuring a smoother transition for ongoing projects.

NG-CDF challenged

Activist Wanjiru Gikonyo had challenged the fund, arguing that it established a third layer of governance not outlined in the Constitution and violated the principles of separation of powers.

Gikonyo contended that the involvement of Members of Parliament in the NG-CDF undermines the executive’s authority and the Public Service Commission’s functions.

He also highlighted that the Act encroaches on the responsibilities of county governments and was enacted without the Senate’s participation.