By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 16 December 2025 - Kisumu Central Constituency has emerged as a national benchmark for effective management of National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) resources, with the NG-CDF board praising the constituency for exemplary infrastructure projects and prudent utilisation of allocated funds.
This recognition comes as the constituency received KSh 202 million in the current financial year, with an additional KSh 23.7 million awarded for outstanding performance under the board’s “best practices” model by the NG-CDF board.
The NG-CDF board, chaired by former Kisumu West MP Olago Aluoch and accompanied by CEO Yusuf Mbuno, conducted an assessment tour of Kisumu Central’s infrastructure developments.
The team was particularly impressed with the quality of buildings, especially school facilities in Kanyakwar, Kondele, and St Teresa Kibuye, describing them as “glittering and well-furnished,” reflecting efficient utilisation of the funds allocated.Mbuno highlighted that Kisumu Central’s adherence to transparency, accountability, and project oversight set it apart from many other constituencies.
“Due to the best practices model, Kisumu Central has been awarded additional funds alongside 58 other high-performing constituencies out of the 290 nationwide,” he noted.
He emphasised that the board continues to monitor all projects funded by NG-CDF to ensure that taxpayers’ money translates into visible and lasting infrastructure benefits.
The board’s inspection contrasted Kisumu Central with other constituencies where the value of work delivered does not always match the capital invested.
“In some areas, projects are substandard, and the management falls short of expectations. Kisumu Central, under the leadership of NG-CDF Manager Naftali Ochume and MP Joshua Oron stands out as a model for delivering quality projects,” Mbuno said.
Dr Oron, whose management of NG-CDF resources has been lauded, expressed gratitude for the additional KSh 23 million awarded under the best practices initiative.
He pledged to continue implementing value-laden projects that benefit the public and leave a lasting legacy.
“We must work honestly for the people. Kisumu Central will remain a legacy during my tenure,” Oron said.
Among the projects highlighted was the construction of magnificent storey buildings at St Mary's Kibuye Girls, Kanyakwar Comprehensive School, including more than five classrooms, in preparation for its upgrade to St Pauls Kanyakwar Secondary School, with registration expected by January 2026.
Board chair Olago Aluoch used the tour to issue a stern warning to MPs in constituencies delivering substandard work.
“Those whose projects are not up to standard will face challenges in accessing NG-CDF disbursements in future. Quality and accountability are non-negotiable,” he said, underscoring the board’s commitment to ensuring that public funds translate into tangible results.
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Community leaders expressed appreciation for the board’s direct engagement.
Mzee Victor Owino, a local resident, lauded the board and CEO Mbuno for conducting site visits rather than relying solely on reports from Nairobi.
“Your presence here allows you to see the projects firsthand, without relying on second-hand accounts,” Owino said, urging the NG-CDF to maintain strict oversight across all constituencies.
The board also reaffirmed its plan to conduct visits to all 290 constituencies over the next two years to monitor the use of funds.
Mbuno stressed that any projects lacking value or failing to meet standards would be flagged for corrective measures, emphasising accountability as central to the NG-CDF mandate.
Kisumu Central’s performance comes at a time when the President William Ruto administration is promoting transformative infrastructure projects under its ambitious Bottom-up economic transformation agenda.
Last week, Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo was in Nyanza traversing and monitoring state-funded projects asking contractors to do good work and putting those underperforming on warning that they risked blacklisting.
Principal Secretary for Interior Raymond Omollo had also led fellow PSs in inspecting State projects in Nyanza and asked contractors to speed up and do good work where value for money is seen as in other areas.
The government aims to prioritise initiatives that boost public infrastructure and improve service delivery, particularly for marginalised communities.
Kisumu Central Constituency’s successful execution of school and community projects aligns with this vision, demonstrating how prudent management and local oversight can deliver lasting developmental impact.
Residents in Kisumu Central have noted that the success of the projects reflects collaboration between elected leaders, constituency management, and contractors.
And in ensuring accountability, transparency, and a focus on quality, Kisumu Central provides a template that other constituencies could emulate to maximise the value of NG-CDF funds.
As the board continues its nationwide assessment, Kisumu Central stands as a case study in effective constituency fund management, demonstrating that when public resources are managed efficiently and transparently, communities directly benefit, and political leaders leave a tangible legacy.
The recognition underscores the importance of prudent spending, community engagement, and quality oversight, elements that will likely shape how NG-CDF funds are managed in the coming years.
