Government explains CDF delays

The government has moved to reassure communities concerned about slow progress on some Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects, saying the delays should not be mistaken for a lack of funding.

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development says the slower implementation of some CDF projects is mainly due to new planning and approval requirements introduced under the 2026 CDF Guidelines, rather than delays in releasing funds.

In information shared on its official platform, the ministry said the new guidelines require councils to complete mandatory administrative and technical processes before construction funds can be released for individual projects.

According to the ministry, what many people describe as project delays are often the result of preparatory work required under the reformed CDF system rather than a lack of funding.

The ministry said councils must first complete administrative procedures before the government disburses construction funds. Unlike the previous system, constituencies no longer receive their full CDF allocation automatically, with funding now released on a project-by-project basis.

It said the reforms require projects to be fully prepared before any money is released. This includes project identification, preparation of technical designs, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), approvals, and procurement planning.

The ministry said the changes are intended to ensure projects are technically sound, properly costed, and aligned with development priorities before implementation begins.

The guidelines also introduced stricter procurement procedures, requiring procurement processes to be completed before project financing is approved. Contractors and suppliers can no longer be engaged simply after funds have been disbursed.

According to the ministry, the new framework places greater emphasis on preventing mistakes before public funds are spent by strengthening planning, financial management, and accountability systems.