Members of the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities have put the Equalisation Fund on notice over what they described as persistent failure to deliver meaningful development in historically marginalised areas, warning that drastic measures — including possible disbandment — could follow.
The sharp criticism emerged during a meeting at Bunge Tower with the Fund’s Chief Executive Officer, Guyo Boru, as lawmakers questioned the agency’s impact despite years of substantial budgetary allocations.
Committee Chairperson Adan Yusuf Haji (Mandera West) said communities that had long relied on the Fund as a vehicle for equitable development had been left disappointed.
“The Fund has no impact on marginalised communities who were looking upon it to ensure that they enjoy the national cake,” said Haji.
He disclosed that the Committee would prepare a special report to be tabled in the House outlining what he termed serious recommendations on the future of the Fund.
“A special report will be tabled in the House soon by the Committee with serious recommendations on the Fund,” he said.
Haji further expressed concern that despite receiving significant public resources, the Fund had not initiated transformative projects capable of bridging long-standing development gaps in marginalised regions.
Committee Vice Chairperson Hon. Duncan Mathenge (Nyeri Town) faulted the Fund for failing to complete several projects across counties, describing the situation as a waste of public money.
“The majority of the projects have stalled after consuming public funds,” he said.
Mathenge also questioned the Fund’s approach to project identification and approval, accusing it of sidelining Members of Parliament in decisions affecting their constituencies.
“Why are you not allowing MPs to approve development projects that you initiate in their areas of jurisdiction? They should be key to identifying projects to be initiated as per the needs of the people they represent,” he said.
Narok North MP Agnes Pareyio echoed the concerns, saying residents in her region had placed high hopes in the Equalisation Fund but were yet to witness tangible outcomes.
“The Equalisation Fund only exists on paper. As a marginalised community, we have not seen projects by the Fund that ensure our people access basic services,” she said.
The Committee announced plans to conduct site visits to some of the stalled projects initiated by the Fund in a bid to establish their status and assess value for money as pressure mounts on the agency to justify its continued existence.
In his response, Boru attributed the slow progress to funding constraints, telling lawmakers that substantial arrears had hampered implementation of projects.
“Since inception to February this year, arrears amounting to Ksh. 62,677,649,853 have accrued to the Fund as a result of non-transfers of cash to the Fund as required by Article 204(1) of the Constitution,” he explained.
The Fund was established to provide basic services, including water, roads, health facilities and electricity, to historically marginalised areas.
