President Ruto Demands Accountability for NG-CDF Funds as Program Marks 20 Years

President William Ruto addressed the nation during the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) 20th anniversary celebrations. Speaking at a Nairobi hotel, Ruto emphasized the vital role the NG-CDF has played in providing scholarships to underprivileged students and empowering youth employment in rural areas over the past two decades.

The President issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament (MPs) who misappropriate NG-CDF funds, stating, "I want to say this without fear of any contradiction: any Member of Parliament who presides over the misappropriation of CDF or the theft of CDF should never be elected. They should never be elected because it is the ultimate betrayal of the people who elected you."

Ruto further stressed the importance of proper fund utilization, adding, "If you use CDF perfectly, you will be elected. Just that. Because CDF puts at your disposal close to Ksh600 million in your term of five years. My friends, with Ksh600m, if you cannot win an election, then you have... I mean, wewe ni bure kabisa. I mean, surely."

Why this matters: The accountability of public funds is vital for ensuring that development projects benefit the intended communities, and the NG-CDF's impact on education and youth employment highlights the importance of responsible governance. As Kenya continues to grow and develop, the proper management of public funds will be pivotal for addressing the country's socio-economic challenges.

The accountability of public funds is vital for ensuring that development projects benefit the intended communities, and the NG-CDF's impact on education and youth employment highlights the importance of responsible governance. As Kenya continues to grow and develop, the proper management of public funds will be vital for addressing the country's socio-economic challenges.

The NG-CDF has been instrumental in Kenya's development agenda, empowering local communities to participate in resource allocation and project prioritization. The fund has become a reliable source of support for vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and security. According to the national CDF board, 94% of allocated funds are channeled directly into local development projects overseen by Project Management Committees, while only 6% is devoted to administrative and recurrent expenditures.

President Ruto praised the NG-CDF's funding model, citing its efficiency and impact on development projects nationwide. He assured MPs that the government would release all remaining allocations from the NG-CDF before the end of the current financial year, addressing concerns over the more than Sh15 billion in outstanding funds. "Every shilling owed to the CDF will be paid before we close the budget," Ruto promised.

In addition to urging accountability, President Ruto announced initiatives to address infrastructure deficits in the education sector. He promised the construction of 3,500 classrooms in the next two months, with Sh1 billion already released for the construction of 1,000 classrooms in Nairobi County. Ruto called for collaboration with the county government to redirect NG-CDF funds towards classroom construction, emphasizing that "no child in Kenya should be left behind because of their financial situation or origin."

The NG-CDF's 20th anniversary celebration comes at a time when President Ruto's"hustler culture" ideology, which emphasizes individual hard work and self-betterment, has gained prominence in Kenya. This shift in attitude contrasts with the traditional African philosophy of Ubuntu, which prioritizes community and collective well-being over individual goals. As Kenya strikes a balance between modernization and preserving its cultural heritage, the NG-CDF remains a shining example of the importance of collective effort and community development.

President Ruto's call for accountability and proper utilization of NG-CDF funds highlights the critical role MPs play in ensuring the program's success as it enters its third decade. By prioritizing transparency and community development, Kenya can continue to harness the power of the NG-CDF to uplift its citizens and drive progress in the years to come.

Key Takeaways

• President Ruto warns MPs against misusing NG-CDF funds, threatening electoral consequences.
• NG-CDF has empowered rural youth and provided scholarships to underprivileged students over 20 years.
• 94% of NG-CDF funds go directly to local development projects, with 6% for administration.
• Ruto promises to release all outstanding NG-CDF allocations before the end of the financial year.
• Government to construct 3,500 classrooms in 2 months, with Sh1 billion already released for Nairobi County.