At least 10 legislators on Saturday met in Kiharu to benchmark on how to employ a labour based model to implement the National Government Constituency Development Funds (NG-CDF) projects.
The lawmakers who were hosted by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro learnt that using the model, National Government -Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) can be prudently utilized to achieve a lot in terms of development.
Nyoro said despite the labour based model being time consuming and delicate, it has helped him to put tiles and renovate all 112 public primary schools in his constituency.
He told his counterparts that the Procurement Act and Regulations allow use of labour based which entails use of local labour and resources in implementation of projects.
“If we used to issue contracts, we would not be able to put tiles in classrooms in all our public primary schools. The model, despite requiring strict supervision, allows prudent utilization of available funds and delivery of quality work,” he said after the MPs toured several primary schools to witness work being done.
The lawmaker asked his colleagues to collect data especially on what needs to be done in schools before embarking on the real work.
Nyoro underscored his project of putting tiles to classrooms saying the project has enabled learners to study in a conducive and clean environment.
“In renovation of our schools, we are also able to paint and put metallic window panels in the classrooms with the little resources we get.
“We have sourced labour locally also engaged with suppliers who deliver materials at cheap price and this has helped to ensure our people and particularly parents,” he further said.
He cautioned the MPs from trying to make money using the NG-CDF saying the model needs trustworthy and uncorrupt people for its success.
“Money channeled through NG-CDF is meant to take development to the grassroots and as leaders we should avoid squandering the resources for personal benefits. I urge you to utilize the money for the benefit of the electorate,” he said.
Nyoro meanwhile exuded confidence that NG-CDF will soon be enshrined in the constituency and MPs continue getting the funds which usually help many less fortunate families.
Speaking during the benchmarking event, Head teacher of Githangara Primary school Ms Esther Murage lauded the model saying the little money which was given to her school, they were able to put tiles to 20 classrooms and construct a hall.
“At first we were not conversant with the model but after some time we realized how it works and that’s why we were able to put tiles on our classrooms.
“The tile project has motivated our learners as they enjoy studying in a clean and attractive environment,” added Murage.
One of the visiting MPs, Abraham Kirwa (Mosop) said he was impressed by what Kiharu NG-CDF has implemented within a period of less than four years.
He promised to try to use the model to implement various projects in his constituency saying he will continue to learn on how to make the labour based model a success for the people of Mosop.
Kangema MP Peter Kihungu on his part accused some constituency Fund managers who want to use the easy way of searching for contractors which is expensive and cannot achieve a lot.
He called the NG-CDF CEO to streamline the fund and pass a policy which will ensure the fund managers work under guidance of local MPs.
Some of other lawmakers who visited Kiharu included Caleb Mule (Machakos town), Duncan Maina (Nyeri Town), Jepkemoi Bartoo (Moiben), Gachoki Gitari (Kirinyaga Central) and Joseph Munyoro (Kigumo) among others.
By Bernard Munyao
