Mwakwere and Dzoro Advocate CDF as vehicle for faster growth

Story by MATHIAS RINGA and AMINA KIBIRIGE Publication Date: 10/24/2007 : Daily Nation

A Party of National Unity government will strengthen the Constituency Development Fund to accelerate growth in all areas of the country, two Cabinet ministers said on Tuesday.
The CDF would play a bigger role in development than the majimbo system ODM was pushing for “since funds are disbursed to every constituency” said Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere (Transport) and Mr Morris Dzoro (Tourism) at a rally in Mariakani on Monday.
“The CDF system has no difference with the majimbo, which Shirikisho Party of Kenya has been advocating. Funds have reached all parts of Kenya for development. What we ask for is the disbursement of CDF funds to be enhanced so that all constituencies could carry out tangible development for benefit of Kenyans,” said Mr Mwakwere.
He said President Kibaki’s government had achieved a lot for the Coast region.
The Matuga MP noted that the Government revived the Kenya Meat Commission factory at Kibarani, Kenya Co-operative Creameries plant at Miritini, while Ramisi sugar and Mariakani dairy plant would be re-opened soon.
“Thousands of squatters in the province have been settled and issued with title deeds. I am sure the country will prosper more if he retains his seat,” he added.
Mr Dzoro said: “Make sure you vote in President Kibaki to enable this country achieve greater heights of development.”
The ministers said the majimbo concept lobbied by Mr Odinga would disrupt harmony among Kenyans, who are co-existing regardless of their ethnic links.
Mr Mwakwere and Dzoro were accompanied by Laikipia East MP, G. Kariuki and Msambweni MP Abdalla Ngozi.
President Kibaki is expected to return to Coast Province in two weeks to lay a foundation stone for revival of the collapsed Ramisi Sugar factory in Msambweni constituency.
Mr Mwakwere made the announcement on Sunday during a rally at Waa Primary School.
He called on women, the youth and other groups to prepare their memoranda to be handed over to the President.
Mr Mwakwere also asked the residents to join Shirikisho Party so that the entire Coastal region could unite under one party.
He said the party advocated economic federalism, “which can bring about development to the people through their own decisions as it happens in CDF and not bring about clashes”.