8/9/2019 Missing! CDF Task Force Report

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ByDORAH NESOBA

In July 2009, the Ministry of State for

Planning National Development and Vision2030 (MOPND) established a taskforce toreview CDF performance. The task force

was to conclude its duties which includedconsidering the existing institutionalframework and how it can be strengthenedin order to promote accountability andtransparency in the administration of theCDF by October 2009. However, its duration

was extended to December 31, 2009through Gazette Notice No. 10659 dated

October7, 2009.

By admission of Planning MinisterWycliffe Oparanya, during the launch of thetaskforce on July 23 last year CDF reformis long overdue. Mr. Oparanya noted thatthere is low utilization of completedfacilities especially educational and healthinstitutions and cattle dips due to lack ofcollaboration with line ministries especiallyon staff requirements.

He also cited weak capacity to identify viable projects; low technical capacity toimplement development projects; poormanagement of transition during elections;low utilization of technical officers in theimplementation of projects; too many smallprojects thinly spread with little or lowimpact; financial control; undue interferenceand corruption / embezzlement.

At issue are questions that range

from the capacity at constituency level,to frameworks of accountability andimplications of an expanded mandatefor elected representatives. On capacity,a key legitimate concern is on whetherconstituencies are equipped and preparedto appropriately handle the accompanyingdevelopment responsibility that accrues

with the resource allocations that covereducational, health and infrastructure

services among others. As Mr. Oparanya noted at the task

force launch, It is possible that theexisting implementation structure may beoverwhelmed and many of these resourcesmay remain unutilised or at worse misused.

Also owing to the fact that although the fundhas largely been a success, there have beenseveral legal and administrative challengesthat have impeded the attainment of evengreater success.

Mr. Oparanya also pointed out that the

CDF Program had over 35,000projects in various stages of

completion established throughoutthe country in July of last year. The impact of these projects isalready being felt especially in thekey sectors funded by CDF likeEducation (around 38% of CDFallocations), Health (11%) and

Water (8%). To a large extent,these are projects that have beenidentified by the community onpriority basis and their completion

and utilisation should therefore besatisfying genuine needs.

The Minister singled out the poor interfacebetween CDF and other devolved funds atthe constituency. This is a problem yet tobe addressed and now with the increasedresources to the constituency, the problemis bound to be complex.

The taskforce was chaired by former OlKalou MP Muriuki Karue, the architect of

the CDF concept during his tenure in theNinth Parliament. Besides conductingpublic hearings in selected parts of thecountry the task force printed over 250,000questionnaires made available in chiefscamps for the members. The Committee

was tasked with recommending reviews ofthe CDF Act 2003 and the CDF Amendment

Act 2007 and to come up with strengthened ways to enhance accountability and seal

gaps that can lead to the misuse of thefunds.

Research reports such as those of theSocial and Public Accountability Network(SPAN, February 2010) and the National Taxpayers CDF Citizens Reports Cards releasedin April this year and practical experienceon the ground also point towards theproblems of poor citizen participation,collusion, double funding, over pricing andother forms of corruption as well as poorplanning.

Can we count on your word Mr Minister?

The Institute for Social Accountabilityhas since established that the ProjectManagement Committees through whichCDF implements its programs are notrecognised under the Ministry of Financeprocurement regulations and are thereforeoperating illegally throughout the country.In a report entitled GROSS ILLEGALITIES INCONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND NEED

URGENT REDRESS and presented to theofficial stakeholders in December of 2009,

TISA National Coordinator Wanjiru Gikonyocalled upon the National Institutions tourgently resolve the gross illegalities andcontradictions in CDF management. Thereport noted that CDF spending is notsubject to audit, and reporting requirementsare routinely abused contributing to

widespread corruption in the fund.

The need for reform of CDF is all themore pressing as increased resources arebeing spent through its framework. Thatnotwithstanding the Minister of Planninghas failed to publish the report, leadingcritics to conclude that the review exercise

was merely a publicity exercise and thepolitical will to reform the contentious fundis lacking.

According to unofficial sources, the 18-

member task force is believed to have madefar-reaching proposals with the potentialto significantly bolster rural development inKenya. This report is now with the Ministerof Planning, Hon Oparanya, awaitingofficial release.

Mr. Minister, as we approach a newfinancial year it is unfortunate that CDF willcontinue with its present shortcomings.Failing to publish the report is a betrayal of

the mandate of your office and contradictsyour stated intention to to strengthen themanagement structures of the devolvedfunds so that the general masses mayderive maximum benefit from them. Can

we count on your word Mr. Minister?

Can we cout on your

word Mr. Misr?

Missing! CDF Task Force Report

www.tisa.or.ke

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