Treasury to finally release CDF funds in Ksh.2 billion batches weekly

Millions of Kenyans who depend on the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) can now breathe a sigh of relief after Treasury finally agreed to release the funds.

In a communication to the National Assembly through Speaker Moses Wetangula, the Treasury says that after receiving advice from the Attorney General, it will be releasing Ksh.2 billion weekly from December 9, 2022.

According to the advice from the AG, the Supreme Court has not pronounced itself on the NG-CDF Act of 2015, as the matter is still before the court under litigation.

“…the NG-CDF technically remains in force until such express declaration is formally made by the High Court or other superior courts as may be seized the matter on appeal” read part of the Speaker’s communication.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u has now agreed to start the disbursement of the Ksh.44.289 billion fund in batches.

“In light of the advice from the Attorney General, the National Treasury confirms that it will commence disbarment of the NG-CDF by tranches of Ksh.2 billion on a weekly basis with effect from 9th December 2022, and will have disbursed a total of Ksh.44.289 billion by the 23rd week of disbursement,” Speaker Wetangula noted.

Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, who has been at the forefront of fighting for NG-CDF, accused the Executive of derailing the disbursement of the funds to constituencies despite there not being any hindrance.

“At least sense has prevailed from the National Treasury because we told them all along that there’s nothing whatsoever that is unconstitutional in the NG-CDF Act 2015. We appreciate that now they have seen the sense,” said Wandayi.

Members of Parliament had threatened to boycott House business if the National Treasury failed to disburse the funds.

The fund had been thrown in limbo after the apex court ruled that the CDF Act 2013 that allowed MPs to manage funds offended the Division of Revenue and Public Finance law.