By Grace Waithaka
Member of Parliament Teso South, Hon. Mary Otucho Emaase, has expressed renewed optimism that the ongoing retreat in Naivasha will offer the much-needed solutions to the ongoing debate regarding the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), particularly in light of recent court rulings.
The High Court’s decision declaring the NG-CDF Act unconstitutional has raised significant concerns, especially about the future of community development projects and educational funding that many constituents heavily depend on. Hon. Emaase has been a vocal advocate for the continuation and constitutional entrenchment of the NG-CDF, underscoring the pivotal role the fund plays in enhancing the living standards of people at the grassroots level.
> "High Court's decision in declaring the NG-CDF Act unconstitutional poses a serious threat to community development and education funding. Many students depend on bursaries financed by this fund. We owe it to our people to find a sustainable solution, whether through constitutional amendments or other legal avenues."
NG-CDF has long been a critical resource for various community-based initiatives, particularly in education, where it finances bursaries for students who would otherwise struggle to access secondary and tertiary education. With the fund at risk, Hon. Emaase is calling for urgent and decisive action to safeguard its future.
Naivasha retreat brought together Members of Parliament from across the country, is seen as an opportunity to deliberate and forge a way forward on key national issues. Hon. Emaase stressed that the retreat goes beyond just a routine gathering—it is a moment to reflect on the current legislative journey, address unresolved issues, and refocus on the critical work ahead.
> "This retreat is more than just a meeting; it’s an opportunity to reflect, re-strategize, and recommit to our mandate. We are at a critical juncture as a Parliament. This retreat marks the mid-term of our legislative journey, a moment for us to recalibrate, assess our performance, and chart the way forward for the remaining term."
Hon Emaase pointed out that this mid-term is a crucial time for lawmakers to assess their achievements and challenges, particularly in relation to the NG-CDF and its impact on communities. The retreat provides an avenue for Parliament to explore ways of ensuring the fund’s continuity through either constitutional amendments or other legal reforms.
The stakes are high, with countless students and community development programs relying on the fund’s stability. The dialogue in Naivasha is expected to shape the trajectory of the NG-CDF’s future, and Hon. Emaase is hopeful that the Members of Parliament will find a collective solution that protects the interests of the people they serve.
As discussions continue, Hon. Emaase remains committed to fighting for the people of Teso South and other constituents across the country, ensuring that the funds meant to uplift communities are safeguarded against legal setbacks. The retreat in Naivasha, she believes, is an important step towards achieving this goal.
In this meeting Hon. Emaase sees an opportunity not just for reconciliation over the NG-CDF matter but for Parliament to reaffirm its commitment to the people it serves and ensure that no community is left behind in the quest for national progress.