Kiambu Town MP Waithaka Machua has strongly defended the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), describing it as the cornerstone of education development in the constituency.
Speaking during the commissioning of four new classrooms at Mungai Chengecha Primary School, the legislator dismissed proposals by opposition leader Raila Odinga to transfer management of the fund to county governments. He warned that such a move could derail education support in many constituencies.
“The NG-CDF has directly transformed schools and supported thousands of students from needy families. Moving it away from constituencies would deny children these opportunities,” said Machua.
The MP pointed to a string of projects funded by NG-CDF, including nine newly constructed junior secondary classrooms, the tiling and renovation of existing classrooms, and a perimeter wall at Mungai Chengecha to enhance security.
He said the school previously struggled with insecurity and vandalism, with water taps and doors stolen by intruders. The wall, he added, has secured school property and created a safe learning environment.
Additionally, NG-CDF funds have been used to construct 22 new toilets to address sanitation challenges and install solar lighting to cut power costs. “We are determined to give our children a decent environment where learning is both safe and dignified,” he said.
On bursaries, Machua said allocations have been fair, with all applicants receiving support. He revealed that in three phases of disbursement, more than 27,000 students benefited.
“In the first batch we supported over 7,000 beneficiaries, the second 9,000, and the third more than 11,000. We even made all day secondary schools free of school fees,” he said, noting that the fund has directly lifted the financial burden off struggling families.
Parents who attended the event praised the effective use of NG-CDF in uplifting schools but urged the government to release capitation funds on time. They argued that delays force parents to dig deeper into their pockets despite the rising cost of living.
“If capitation funds are released promptly, schools will run smoothly and parents will be relieved of extra charges,” one parent said.
Machua assured residents that his leadership will continue prioritizing education. He pledged further development, including classroom renovations, playground upgrades, and school beautification projects.
“Every school in Kiambu Constituency deserves the basic infrastructure for quality learning. We shall not relent until this is achieved,” he affirmed.
The MP’s remarks underscore the growing debate over the management of NG-CDF, with parents and leaders alike crediting the fund for visible improvements in schools. For Kiambu, at least, the evidence lies in freshly built classrooms, secure school compounds, and thousands of students whose education has been sustained through bursaries.