Residents of Nyaribari Chache constituency have now been urged to participate in identifying and prioritising projects to be funded using the Constituency Development fund (CDF).
Area CDF manager Monibi Tinega lamented that very few residents turn up during public participation meetings in which they are expected to help in identifying and prioritising projects for funding through CDF as stipulated in the fund’s act.
Speaking while inspecting some ongoing projects the manager regretted that only a few leaders turn up for the meetings while the common 'Mwananchi' is always conspicuously absent despite the fact that the forums are meant for public participation to ensure that they own the project.
The manager pointed out that the fora for identification of CDF projects were held at ward and sub location levels so as to reach the grassroots locals but the turnout remained low. He attributed the low turn up to inadequate civic education.
“We have Sh60 million set aside for the CDF community projects," said Tinega.
"The funds are further subdivided among five wards within Kabete sub-county with each ward receiving Sh12 million for their respective development projects,” he said.
He noted that due to ignorance, some residents do not apply for bursaries which are keen at improving education in the constituency.
“The residents have the responsibility to identify and prioritise projects to be funded, ours is to supervise,” he said.
He also highlighted that the bursary application forms can be obtained from chiefs and their assistants while vetting committees assist in identifying deserving beneficiaries.