Residents across Marsabit County have overwhelmingly backed the retention of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), saying it remains a critical lifeline for education, infrastructure and support to vulnerable groups. During a series of public participation forums held across Laisamis, North Horr, Moyale and Saku constituencies, locals joined their Members of Parliament in urging that the NG-CDF Amendment Bill No. 4 of 2025 be entrenched in the Constitution to secure the fund’s continuity. Participants also defended the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) and supported the establishment of a Senate Oversight Fund (SOF), arguing that the three kitties collectively drive development in areas long underserved by county budgets.
Speakers at the Marsabit Catholic Conference Hall highlighted projects that have transformed the region, noting that NG-CDF has supported more than 500 initiatives in Saku Constituency alone. These include upgrading school infrastructure, opening feeder roads, improving water connections and providing bursaries to thousands of needy learners. Moi Girls High School Principal Halima Adan noted that the majority of students depend entirely on NG-CDF and NGAAF to stay in school, especially in communities where prolonged drought has deepened poverty. Women’s groups also credited NGAAF for supplying water tanks, supporting table banking and strengthening income-generating ventures. Residents said the programmes have significantly improved the dignity of women and boosted the retention of girls in school through consistent provision of sanitary towels.
Community members further appealed for the Senate Oversight Fund to be anchored in law, saying it would ensure accountability in the billions of shillings disbursed annually to counties. They argued that stronger oversight would help curb misuse of devolved funds, which they say often goes unchecked. Individuals living with disabilities, such as Julius Kinoti, also voiced strong support, saying NG-CDF and NGAAF have provided opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. MPs Dido Ali Raso and Naomi Waqo echoed the sentiments of their constituents, noting that the widespread support reflects the tangible impact the funds have had at the grassroots. Residents concluded that eliminating the funds would reverse hard-won gains, especially in marginalized counties like Marsabit.