EACC warns NG-CDF managers against corrupt practices at constituencies
By Wanjeri Kariuki, March 12, 2026The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has urged NG-CDF fund managers and committee members across the country to desist from corrupt practices that have plagued devolved development funds, warning that mismanagement of the devolved funds undermines the very objectives for which they were established and deprives citizens of essential development aimed at improving their lives.
In a speech delivered on behalf of CEO Abdi Mohamud by the Western Regional Manager on Thursday, March 12, 2026, to a joint forum of NG-CDF managers from Kakamega, Bungoma, and Busia counties in Nakuru, the Commission urged the fund managers to uphold accountability and ensure that every shilling in NG-CDF is used for the intended purpose.
Purpose of CDF
“The NG-CDF embodies the principle of devolution.
“Like other devolved funds, it is central to Kenya’s development as an instrument through which the government translates national aspirations into investments in roads, schools, health facilities, water systems, and other development initiatives at the grassroots level.”
Mohamud revealed that some fund managers and NG-CDF committees facilitate misuse of the fund by awarding themselves contracts through proxy companies, procurement fraud, kickbacks, extortion of contractors, money laundering, and embezzlement through payments for ghost projects, multiple payments for the same projects, bursaries to ghost students, inflated project costs, or payments for services not rendered.”
The CEO challenged the officials to always resist any undue influence or coercion by any person that could facilitate unlawful expenditure, noting that they are the ones who would personally bear the consequences of any lost funds.
Ongoing investigations
The Commission said it is investigating 67 cases relating to the misuse of NG-CDFs across the country.
“Among the matters under investigation is a case in which a private contractor was irregularly awarded 49 tenders and paid over Ksh 66 million from various NG-CDF Committees and NGAAF across 11 counties, in 2 financial years. None of the NGCDF committees represented here is immune to these challenges.”