In a rare public statement, Raila Odinga Jr., the son of the ODM party leader, has weighed in on a growing national controversy, questioning the government's approach to bursary allocations. His simple but profound question—why is money given to parents instead of being sent directly to schools?—cuts to the heart of a systemic issue and comes at a crucial time. His critique is a direct response to a recent, damning report by Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu, which has exposed a massive black hole in the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).

The audit report for the year ending June 2024 revealed a shocking lack of accountability: at least Ksh4.1 billion meant for student bursaries cannot be traced. The report, which is a powerful indictment of the NG-CDF's management, shows that while 125 constituencies claimed to have helped thousands of students, most failed to provide the necessary documentation to support their claims. The scale of the mismanagement is staggering. A total of 86 constituencies could not provide supporting records for Ksh2.12 billion, including receipts from schools, acknowledgment forms from students, and admission numbers.

But the issues don't stop there. The audit also found that an additional 39 constituencies could not account for Ksh1.97 billion. These offices lacked crucial documents showing how bursary applications were vetted, such as committee minutes or policy guidelines. This lack of a transparent vetting process, as the Auditor-General noted, raises serious concerns about "potential bias and exclusion of deserving students."

The NG-CDF, which was introduced by former President Mwai Kibaki in 2003, has long been defended by Members of Parliament as a vital tool for supporting students from low-income families. However, the Auditor-General's findings directly challenge this narrative, highlighting a significant lapse in accountability and transparency. The report reinforces the arguments of critics who have long pointed to the fund as a source of corruption and mismanagement.

The timing of Odinga Jr.’s statement and the release of this audit report is particularly significant. A High Court ruling last year declared the NG-CDF unconstitutional and ordered it to cease operations by June 30, 2026. This means the fund, which has been a cornerstone of grassroots development for over two decades, is on its last leg. The audit findings serve as a powerful final warning, a clear signal that the fund, in its current form, is a flawed mechanism for distributing public money.