The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has urged officials managing the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
The call was made during a joint workshop attended by more than 350 NG-CDF account managers, deputy county commissioners, sub-county accountants and committee members from 33 constituencies in Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga counties.
Delivering the message on behalf of Secretary/CEO Abdi Mohamud, EACC Western Regional Manager Eric Ngumbi said combating corruption is a shared responsibility and that NG-CDF officials play a key role in safeguarding public trust.
“Corruption is a growing threat to the realisation of devolved funds’ objectives. Citizens expect services that are transparent, accountable, and free from mismanagement,” he noted.
Ngumbi said the NG-CDF remains an important tool in Kenya’s development agenda, supporting schools, health facilities, water systems, roads and other community projects.
However, he said mismanagement and misuse of funds undermine public trust and limit the intended benefits of such investments.
Ngumbi emphasised that proper management of the fund is critical to advancing equitable development and improving the welfare of citizens at the grassroots level.
He reiterated the commission’s commitment to strengthening prevention, enforcement and asset recovery efforts to safeguard public resources and ensure the NG-CDF delivers meaningful benefits to communities.
The EACC said it currently has 67 cases under investigation relating to alleged NG-CDF mismanagement.
The commission said it is pursuing several interventions to curb corruption, including tracing and recovering illicitly acquired assets, using targeted intelligence to reduce bribery at service delivery points, monitoring capital-intensive projects and conducting corruption risk assessments in public entities.
Ngumbi urged officials to adopt automated systems such as the e-Government Procurement System and the Instant Traffic Fine System to help reduce opportunities for corrupt practices.
NG-CDF managers were reminded of their responsibility to ensure that every shilling is accounted for, every project is credible, and every payment is justified.
Officials were also urged to resist undue influence, coercion or blackmail, and reminded that they will be held accountable for decisions made while in office.
The workshop aims to equip NG-CDF officials with tools and strategies to strengthen internal controls and prevent corruption.
The EACC said accountable governance requires citizen engagement and active participation in oversight mechanisms to promote integrity and minimise corruption.
The commission expressed hope that the workshop will support reforms in the management of NG-CDF in the Western Region and across the country.