KAKAMEGA, Kenya – Malava Member of Parliament (MP) David Ndakwa is on the receiving end of criticism over delays in the disbursement of National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) bursaries, causing distress among students facing school fee deadlines.
Despite MPs like Ndakwa receiving Sh 10 billion in NG-CDF money, many deserving students remain unpaid, raising concerns about equitable distribution.
Addressing the press in Malava town, journalist John Wanyama took Ndakwa to task, accusing him of undermining equitable access to educational support in the area.
“Our MP (Ndakwa) asked people to pick CDF forms for the bursary disbursement. People filled these forms. However, it is unfortunate that the other day, the MP went to the media claiming that there was no money to pay for the bursaries for the less privileged families who are the voters,” said Wanyama.
But according to Ndakwa, a significant portion of the available NG-CDF had been allocated to development projects within the constituency, leaving only Sh 3 million for bursaries.
“An application has been submitted to the NG-CDF Board requesting additional funds to support needy students,” explained Ndakwa.
John Wanyama reaches out to President William Ruto
However, in a rejoinder, Wanyama claimed that he has information that the constituency NG-CDF kitty has almost Sh 14 million allocated to bursaries.
“So, we are asking, where is the rest of the money? We want President William Ruto to come and help the people of Malava because if we have such a leader, we won’t believe he’s supporting his leadership and defending his second term,” Wanyama added.
According to Wanyama, the people of Malava want someone who will come to the ground to lobby for the president’s votes.
“But if we have someone like this one who says he doesn’t have money for bursaries and doesn’t have a solution to our problems, then we shall be failing. President Ruto should intervene and help the people of Malava. These children have made no mistake; they are not affiliated with any political faction. It is disheartening that there is no money to pay for their school fees,” explained Wanyama.
Wanyama, who was flanked by a section of Malava residents, maintained he won’t sit down and watch a vacuum in education.
“We cannot allow our children to stay at home because of the lack of school fees. We are going to have a pay bill for the Malava constituency, where we are going to call prominent people and Kenyans of goodwill to come and contribute funds and help our children go to school,” said Wanyama.
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