President Ruto Pledges to Reinstate Constituency Development Fund (CDF)

President Ruto has pledged to reinstate the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) after it was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. 

Ruto, who addressed a joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday, proposed that the law governing CDF is reviewed to align it with the Constitution. 

The president defended the kitty, saying he witnessed the difference it makes when he served as the Member of Parliament for Eldoret North constituency for 15 years.

“I know the contribution the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) has made in making life better for our citizens. Having served in Parliament for 15 years, before and after the establishment of NG-CDF, I know the difference it makes is monumental,” said Ruto.

He added: “I believe there is a way NG-CDF can be aligned to the tenets of the Constitution.”

Similarly, Ruto proposed the creation of an oversight fund to help Senators adequately monitor the use of funds disbursed to the counties.

“With regard to the Senate and its constitutional mandate, I believe the two Houses should work together to set up the Senate Oversight Fund. This will be used to provide oversight over millions allocated to counties,” said Ruto.

In August, the Supreme Court declared the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) Act unconstitutional. A five-judge bench ruled that the NGCDF Act, which was enacted in 2013 and amended in 2015, violates the principle of separation of powers.

They further found that the law setting up the fund was faulty, and allowing Members of Parliament (MPs) to manage funds offends division of revenue and public finance law.

"The CDF Act 2013 offends the division of functions between the national and county governments, offends the constitutional principles on the division of revenues, public finances and separation of powers,” the judges ruled.

The judges further upheld the decision of the High Court that the constitution was violated by the failure to involve the Senate when the law was amended.