A historic milestone unfolded in Kanyakwar village as Kisumu Central MP Joshua Odongo Oron presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for Kanyakwar Secondary School—the first-ever secondary school in the community.
Oron announced that the project is funded by the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and is aimed at closing the education gap in the region.
“This school will serve a vast area. Kanyakwar is the only clan in the constituency without a secondary school, and today, we are fulfilling our campaign promise to bring education closer to the people,” Oron stated during the event at St. Paul’s Kanyakwar Primary School, where the new institution will be built.
The MP outlined the project’s funding, explaining that two NG-CDF programs are financing its development.
“The first project, consisting of three classrooms, is funded by the NG-CDF constituency committee. The second phase, which we are launching today, is also financed through NG-CDF. Together, these initiatives will cost Ksh3 million for seven classrooms. But this is just the beginning—we have an ambitious plan to establish laboratories, an administration block, a library, and a multipurpose hall,” he revealed.
Defense of NG-CDF Amid Calls for Its Abolition
Oron strongly defended NG-CDF against calls for its removal, emphasizing its role in funding education for underprivileged students.
“NG-CDF is one of the best things that has ever happened to Kenya. Many of those advocating for its removal do not understand its impact. This fund has enabled thousands of students who couldn’t afford school fees to get an education,” he asserted.
Former Kisumu West MP John Olago Aluoch, who also attended the event, echoed Oron’s sentiments, highlighting the fund’s critical role in grassroots development.
“The board I chair in Nairobi manages an annual budget of Ksh500 million for best project demonstrations across the country, and this school is one of them,” Aluoch explained.
He further disclosed that the total NG-CDF budget for the 2024-2026 financial years is Ksh58 billion, with Ksh500 million allocated annually for demonstration projects.
Push for Constitutional Amendment to Safeguard NG-CDF
Aluoch also addressed the ongoing legal challenges facing NG-CDF, confirming efforts to entrench the fund in the Constitution to prevent further judicial hurdles.
“A few voices have called for NG-CDF’s abolition, but they do not represent the views of ordinary Kenyans. I commend Parliament for initiating a constitutional amendment to protect this fund. Once it is enshrined in the Constitution, we will no longer face legal battles,” he stated.
The new Kanyakwar Secondary School is expected to significantly boost education access in the area, providing local students with a much-needed, affordable learning institution.
