President William Ruto on Monday assented to the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (Amendment) Bill paving the way for an increase in allocations channeled to CDF accounts.

The Head of State signed the bill into law at an event held at State House attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula among others.

The bill sought to increase bursaries under the Constituencies Development Fund by increasing the allocation from 35 per cent to 40 per cent.

A statement by the State House indicated that the move will facilitate continuity and completion of education by students while ensuring smooth learning.

The Act also increases CDF allocation on environmental activities from two per cent to five per cent to fund climate change activities.

“This will check drop-outs, boost enrollment, and further the Government’s efforts to increase literacy,” stated National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw’ah.

The Act will also ensure that three per cent is allocated to the Fund for constituencies’ digital hubs key in enabling the youth to acquire skills to boost their employability.

The approval comes a week after lawmakers walked out of Parliament protesting the delay in the disbursement of funds to NG-CDF.

They argued that billions that were still owed to the kitties managed by lawmakers were yet to be disbursed, paralysing their activities.

According to NG-CDF board CEO Yusuf Mbuno, only Ksh10 billion of Ksh44 billion had been disbursed to the constituencies.

Two days later, President William Ruto assured the lawmakers that the funds would be deposited in their accounts before the opening of schools in January.

“I want to assure members of Parliament who are here because they are our great partners in matters of delivery of education. Don’t worry the money for you to disburse for bursary in January will be in the account before schools reopen,” he stated.

Ruto also signed into law the National Lottery Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 69 of 2023) paving the way for the establishment of the National Lottery Board that will administer the newly-established National Lottery.

Ichungw’ah, the sponsor of the Bill, said the goal of the National Lottery is to fund social development in the country.