NG-CDF Committee Wraps Up Inspection of Constituencies’ ICT Hubs

The National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Committee has concluded its inspection tours of ICT Hubs across the Central and Upper Eastern Regions. Led by Committee Chairperson Hon. Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine) and Vice-Chair Hon. Tandaza Sawa (Matuga), the delegation examined the progress of projects funded through the NG-CDF kitty.

In Upper Eastern Kenya, the delegation visited ICT Hubs in the Constituencies of Manyatta at Kanorori Vocational Training College, as well as similar hubs in North-Imenti Constituency at Kaaga Chief’s camp and at the NG-CDF Municipality. They also inspected the Tharaka Youth Empowerment Centre and Maara Youth Empowerment Centre, slated for upgrades to accommodate the Ajira Jitume Program.

The inspection continued in North-Imenti Constituency, where the team assessed the ICT Hubs at Ng’onyi Meru and Mwirine Chiefs’ Camps. In Central Kenya, separate visits were made to ICT Hubs in Gatundu South Constituency, located at Gatundu Town DCC Office and Gatundu KMTC. Additionally, the team visited the Maragua Constituency ICT Hubs situated at the NG-CDF Hall before proceeding to Kieni Constituency, where similar facilities were inspected at Kieni NG-CDF Office in Mweiga and at Kieni Technical Vocational Centre. The inspection concluded in Kirinyaga-Central Constituency, where the delegation visited the ICT Hubs at the NG-CDF Office and Kagumo Primary School.

During these visits, Members of Parliament engaged with beneficiaries and sought input from residents and local experts on areas needing further support to boost the ICT hub initiative through the NG-CDF kitty.

Hon. Sirma emphasized the importance of completing these projects swiftly, noting their significance in job creation for the youth and advancing digital transformation. He highlighted recent changes to the NG-CDF legislation, particularly Section 25 (2A) of the Act, which now permits constituencies to allocate up to three percent of the total allocation for maintaining digital hubs and covering recurrent utilities expenses.

Hon. Tandaza emphasized the importance of the visit in pushing for the speedy release of pending funds, as it highlighted key areas of concern. “Our review of the examination of the Report and this visit has revealed varying levels of stages of progress for each hub,” noted Hon. Tandaza.

The Committee is scheduled to continue its inspection of ICT Hubs in the Coastal region between May 20th and May 25th, 2024.

The NG-CDF Committee’s thorough evaluation underscores its commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of projects aimed at enhancing technological infrastructure and fostering economic development within constituencies across Kenya.