Gichugu MP Gichimu Githinji has hailed the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), saying it is high time the Fund was anchored in the Constitution.
Gichimu added MPs have prepared a bill proposing enactment of NG-CDF in the Constitution and from next week they will start holding public participation forums all over the country to get the views of Kenyans on the bill.
Gichimu who was speaking while issuing NG-CDF bursaries in Gichugu Constituency, Kirinyaga County, called on the public to come out and give their views when the public participation exercises start at the Ward level.
He said if the bill is passed and becomes law, NG-CDF would be protected by the Constitution and continue benefiting the public through bursaries and financing other development projects, as has been the case.
The legislator issued bursary cheques amounting to Sh63 million to benefit over 12,000 learners from Gichugu constituency in both secondary and tertiary institutions, including those in the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
He encouraged the youth to join TVET, saying they have modern equipment. “We work hand in hand with the principal of Gichugu TVET to make sure Gichugu youth are well equipped with relevant knowledge and technical skills.
We request those who have skills and don’t have relevant certificates to come and consult the school administration, and they will be guided on how to acquire a certificate for their areas of training,” said Gichimu.
The MP also urged the principals to allow students with fee balances to remain in school as parents look for money, adding there was no need to keep the students on the road whereas parents understood their mandate.
A resident and founder of the “Angaza Talent Network,” Dominic Mugo said that NG-CDF has been of great help to Kenyans since its introduction many years ago. He said in Gichugu Constituency for instance, children from vulnerable backgrounds have had their education financed by the kitty.
“In Karumandii ward, there is an ongoing construction of a social hall and ICT hub, both funded by NGCDF, which will benefit the youth a lot once completed,” he added.
Mary Muthoni, another beneficiary, echoed Dominic’s sentiments, emphasizing that NG-CDF should remain to continue funding poor students and development programmes in the country.
By David Wandeto
