Mombasa residents rally behind constitutional entrenchment of NG-CDF, NGAAF, and oversight funds as public participation exercise ends

Mombasa County, 8th May 2025.

Public hearings on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill No. 4 of 2025 concluded today in Mombasa County, capping off a week of vibrant civic engagement across all six constituencies and at the office of Mombasa County Woman Representative Hon. Zamzam Mohamed, despite occasional disruptions caused by rainfall.

The hearings, part of a nationwide public participation initiative spearheaded by the National Assembly, were led by respective Members of Parliament and coordinated by Ms. Wanjiru Ndindiri from the Parliamentary Secretariat.

On the final day, Jomvu MP Hon. Badi Twalib led the session, explaining that the proposed amendment seeks to enshrine three key development and oversight funds in the Constitution: the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), and the Senate Oversight Fund.

“These funds touch the lives of ordinary Kenyans every day. Elevating them to constitutional status ensures that they are shielded from political and legal uncertainties,” said Jomvu Constituency MP Hon. Badi Twalib. 

Residents from diverse backgrounds turned out in large numbers to share their views, with the majority voicing strong support for the constitutional protection of the funds.

“This fund has built our schools, supported our youth, and enabled needy students to get bursaries. Why wouldn’t we want it safeguarded in the Constitution?” posed Ms. Ramla, a resident of Jomvu. He further noted that NG-CDF bursaries were more accessible than other forms of aid.

In Changamwe, local contractors praised the NG-CDF for enabling them to earn a livelihood through contracts that helped them support their families. Others highlighted the funds’ role in constructing critical infrastructure such as chiefs' offices and police stations, which were previously inadequate.

“Through NG-CDF, we get contracts to build classrooms and police stations and chiefs' offices. This helps us feed our families and support our workers,” said Mr. Sammy, a contractor from the area.

Participants expressed a shared concern that failing to constitutionally entrench the funds could threaten the developmental progress achieved at the grassroots level over the past two decades.

While relatively modest in comparison to county government allocations, residents underscored the high visibility and tangible impact of these funds on the ground, noting that their direct benefits are felt daily in communities.

A recurring sentiment among participants was the fear that without constitutional anchoring, the gains made over the past two decades could be eroded.

“These funds may be modest compared to county budgets, but their impact is visible and immediate. They don’t get lost in bureaucracy, we see the results,” noted Mr. Abdul, a resident in Likoni.

As the public participation phase ends, Mombasa joins other counties in reinforcing the call to safeguard these development tools. The next phase will see the feedback compiled and presented to the National Assembly for consideration as the constitutional amendment process advances.