West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo has faulted area members of parliament over misappropriation, embezzlement and failing to use Constituency Development Fund (CDF) on development projects in the area.
Created through an Act of Parliament in 2003, when former President Mwai Kibaki came into power, the fund’s objective is to provide resources for infrastructure and economic development of constituencies. According to the law, the government allocates at least 2.5 per cent of the annual revenues for constituency development.
Prof Lonyangapuo said that constituency development funds should benefit Kenyans cautioning MPs against misusing Constituency Development Funds at the expense of wananchi.
“A lot of money is getting lost. Offices, primary and secondary schools should be set up with CDF but not roads and hospitals. We want to know who sleeps with this money .They should set their priorities right,” he said.
Speaking during the launch of Bendera fresh produce market, Governor Lonyangapuo said the devolved system of government is now in place helping residents but CDF were only benefiting a few individuals.
“We are seeing nothing done by CDF .The kitty has a lot of money yet it is doing nothing,” he said.
He said many MPs have turned CDF into a political tool this electioneering period.
“They are misusing the money and some use it for their political mileage,” said Lonyangapuo.
He said counties have done a lot citing that nothing has been done by CDF for the many years in operation yet the county is still facing many problems.
“We have seen many projects by the county government but nothing tangible by CDF,”he said.
Prof Lonyangapuo said that the responsibilities of members of parliament were very clear and their roles remained legislative oversight and as opposed to execution.
“Who will do the oversight role if the kitty will be in the hands of MPs themselves, “said Lonyangapuo.
Prof Lonyangapuo said that MPs should let the money be devolved to the county government since the governors have already set up structures for the same purpose as CDF.
They should remain with the legislative and oversight role while the governors deal with development,” he said.
Prof Lonyangapuo called on area members of parliament to use the kitty in constructing roads along the border of West Pokot, Turkana and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
He added that all the MPs across the country who manage CDF should utilize it well to ensure objectives for which it was established are realized.
“Constituency Development Fund is public money and not for the MPs hence need to be well utilized to ensure its intended objectives are met,” said Prof Lonyangapuo.
He said the public fund should be used for the benefit of members of the public, arguing that they have the right to be rendered services through the fund given that it is their taxes.
“All MPs should ensure the fund changes the livelihoods of the constituents, which they represent so as to reduce levels of poverty among Kenyans.”He said.
He called on MPs in constituencies within West Pokot County to exemplarily implement the fund by engaging the residents in viable and life changing projects to make the county emerge number one in the fund’s implementation.
He however cautioned lawmakers who have bad CDF implementation records to reform and utilize the fund for its intended purposes warning that the law might catch up with them if they get out of office probably after the 2022 general elections.
“They should make good use of the resources provided under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), to give effective representation to their constituents,” he said.
He noted that the constituencies face a number of challenges, including lack of affordable housing solutions, inadequate or no water in some communities, and poor road conditions.
The Governor also raised concern over the political polarization taking center stage in the Country.
“Some politicians have been defeated with work. They incite and buy liquor for youth. Leadership comes from God. Kenyans should welcome everyone with their speeches even if they don’t support them,” said Prof Lonyangapuo.
He supported the move to form his Kenya Union Party (KUP) calling on those who want to be President to visit the County
“There is no small or big party. We must see where the country is headed to ,”he stated
