A heated debate erupted on X this week after Ndindi Nyoro, the MP for Kiharu, lost his role as Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee. The move revived discussions about parliamentary performance and the management of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF). As a result, comparisons soon emerged between Nyoro and MPs Joseph Samal Lomwa (Isiolo North), Mohammed Tubi (Isiolo South), and Peter Salasya (Mumias East).
Since their election in 2022, all four MPs have overseen significant NGCDF allocations. Specifically, Kiharu received Sh524.5 million, Isiolo North Sh549.1 million, Isiolo South Sh450.6 million, and Mumias East Sh450.6 million. Although utilization rates remained high—Kiharu disbursed 96.3 percent, Mumias East 96.5 percent, Isiolo North 96.7 percent, and Isiolo South 95.9 percent—the impact of these funds varied significantly due to regional differences.
In Kiharu, Nyoro focused heavily on education. For instance, his “Masomo Bora” initiative reduced school fees, increased enrollment by 35 percent, and modernized 15 schools. Moreover, a real-time NGCDF tracking system improved transparency, which helped him secure a 71 percent approval rating in the latest Infotrak poll. In March 2024, he allocated Sh48.2 million to upgrade classrooms and laboratories.
Meanwhile, Salasya adopted a grassroots approach in Mumias East. His flagship project, a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), will train 500 nurses annually. In addition, he launched football tournaments and mentorship programs to support young people. Furthermore, in April 2024, he directed Sh30 million toward infrastructure projects, ensuring steady community development.
On the other hand, Isiolo North and Isiolo South tell a different story. Both constituencies have struggled with mismanagement and a lack of transparency. Unlike in Kiharu and Mumias East, their MPs failed to introduce real-time tracking systems. Consequently, residents found it difficult to monitor projects.
The 2023 Auditor-General’s report exposed major financial irregularities. For example, Isiolo North recorded Sh7.5 million in undocumented spending, while Sh8 million in bursary funds remains unaccounted for. Additionally, key projects, such as the renovation of a police station and classrooms at Isiolo North Primary School, remain stalled.
Isiolo South’s financial issues run even deeper. According to the report, Sh9 million remains unaccounted for, while Sh11 million in bursary funds is missing. Meanwhile, incomplete construction at Garbatulla Girls Secondary School and Algani Girls Primary School has left students without classrooms. Even worse, Sh1.5 million in untagged assets and Sh5 million in uninsured buildings highlight deeper mismanagement.
Beyond financial concerns, both MPs have remained absent from parliamentary debates. Lomwa and Tubi, facing health challenges, rarely engage in discussions. As a result, their silence has weakened oversight, making it harder to track NGCDF spending. Unlike in Kiharu and Mumias East, where officials provide regular updates, Isiolo’s leadership has failed to adopt similar transparency measures.
Given these challenges, frustration among Isiolo residents is growing. Many feel betrayed by years of unfulfilled promises. One Isiolo South resident expressed his disappointment, saying, “We’ve been waiting for these projects to be completed for years. Now we find out that millions have been wasted or stolen. This is unacceptable.” Similarly, a civil society activist in Isiolo North called for urgent intervention from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Public Accounts Committee.
As pressure for accountability builds, the demand for change is growing louder. The people of Isiolo North and South deserve better. Development should not be an illusion propped up by missing funds and broken promises. Unless authorities act swiftly, these constituencies will be remembered not for progress but for wasted opportunities.
Data Sources: NGCDF Allocation & Disbursement Reports (2022–2025), Infotrak 2025 Survey, Office of the Auditor-General 2023 Reports on Isiolo South and Isiolo North NGCDF.
