Bondo MP Ochanda opposes Raila's NG-CDF proposal

Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda has opposed ODM leader Raila Odinga’s push to place the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) under county governments.

Ochanda said Raila's stance reflects a misunderstanding of the distinct roles of national and county governments as enshrined in the constitution.

"In my view, and based on court rulings, there’s no conflict between NG-CDF and county government operations," he said.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Ochanda urged the national government to transfer all devolved functions to the counties to enhance their efficiency. However, he noted that some counties, especially in Nyanza, still struggle to function effectively.

“Those calling for the scrapping of NG-CDF should allow both levels of government to operate independently, as guided by law. The NG- CDF kitty has nothing to do with the county governments," he added.

Ochanda further challenged the county governments to account for the billions of money that they have received from the National Treasury.

The lawmaker's sentiments come barely a few days after Mr Odinga accused Parliament of being an impediment to devolved funds to the counties.

Mr Odinga, who asked the MPs to stick to their roles and deliver on their mandate, said he was displeased by the numerous demands by MPs to retain some of the functions that ought to be devolved to counties. He called on them to pass budgets on time and allocate sufficient resources to allow governors to work effectively.

While Mr Odinga termed the NG-CDF unconstitutional, Ochanda maintained that the fund is part of the national government and is not in dispute.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who equally opposed scrapping the fund, acknowledged that it has significantly supported bursaries and school construction.

“MPs have no role in NG-CDF implementation, but it has helped. What we need is to restrict it to national government functions,” said Amollo.