Public hearings on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025 kick off in Mombasa

5th May 2025, Mombasa County. 

Public hearings on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025 have officially commenced in Mombasa County, spearheaded by Members of the National Assembly from the region and coordinated by the National Assembly Secretariat, led by Ms. Wanjiru Ndindiri.

The public participation exercise was conducted across all six constituencies Likoni, Jomvu, Changamwe, Kisauni, Nyali, and Mvita as well as at the office of the Mombasa County Woman Representative, Hon. Zamzam Mohamed.

Residents turned up in large numbers on the first day to share their views on the proposed constitutional amendments. Leading the engagements were Hon. Mishi Mboko (Likoni), Hon. Badi Twalib (Jomvu), Hon. Rashid Bedzimba (Kisauni), Hon. Mohamed Machele (Mvita), and Hon. Zamzam Mohamed (County MP), who met constituents at their respective offices.

The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to anchor key national development and oversight funds into the Constitution. These include the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), and the Senate Oversight Fund.

Members of Parliament took participants through the Bill’s proposals, explaining the significance of constitutional entrenchment of these funds. Residents raised questions regarding budget allocations and equity in distribution under the proposed changes.

“This Bill is about ensuring that the positive impact of these funds is secured constitutionally,” said Hon. Badi Twalib (Jomvu). “Our people deserve continued development support in education, infrastructure, and social services.”

Hon. Mishi Mboko emphasized the importance of public input in shaping the final outcome of the Bill. “Every voice matters in this process. These hearings ensure that the law reflects the will of the people.”

A majority of participants expressed strong support for the amendments, citing the positive impact of the funds such as the construction of schools, chiefs' offices, and bursary disbursements. “Through NG-CDF, our children have classrooms, bursaries, and even access to ICT centres,” said Fatuma Ahmed, a resident of 

Mvita. “We want these gains protected.”

However, a minority opposed the move, arguing that such responsibilities should fall under county governments in line with devolution.“Development should be the role of county governments. Entrenching these funds in the Constitution may weaken devolution,” argued Ali Mwinyi, a Changamwe resident.

The public hearings are set to continue tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m