“This is only 50 percent of the total amount allocated in the national budget for constituencies,” said Oparanya who is Butere MP. He disclosed that the ministry of Planning and national Development has been allocated Sh. 22 billion to facilitate implementation of projects in constituencies as some money need to be used to complete unfinished projects.

Oparanya explained that MPs should guide their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) management committees to ensure that all projects initiated in their areas as completed in this financial year.

He explained that the Government wants to ensure that the country goes for the next General Elections without stalled projects.

Oparanya however explained that the Sh. 11 billion meant for projects will however not be given out to constituencies that fail to submit their proposals.

“We need proposals for projects to be vetted and approved by the board before money can be released,” said Oparanya.

The minister was speaking at Mautuma secondary school in Lugari constituency during inspection of projects. He was accompanied by the area MP Cyrus Jirongo and the Western Provincial Planning Officer James Nyabochao.

Oparanya explained that he was going round to inspect projects so as to ensure that the funds are not misused by the management committees. He said his ministry was having auditors going round the country to asses cases of financial mismanagement.

“We have always taken action in areas that we suspect financial misappropriation,” said Oparanya.

The National Tax Payers Association (NTA) has in the past carried auditing in constituencies and some MPs have already expressed their disappointment over reports of mismanagement.

NTA has audited Bumula, Funyula, Matungu, Sirisia, Mumias and Kanduyi constituencies in Western province. NTA national Coordinator Davis Adieno said the exercise was now shifting to Butere, Khwisero, Ikolomani and Malava.

Adieno said the reports were having an impact as some of the MPs have started sacking their constituency development Committee officials for failing to be accountable on the usage of the CDF money.

Western NTA Regional Coordinator Everlyne Khamala said millions of shillings have been reported missing following the auditing of projects in some constituencies in the region.

Cases of ghosts projects have also been exposed with Bumula recording the highest number of complains in Bungoma County.

Yesterday, Oparanya and Jirongo said they were ready to work together to ensure that projects in Kakamega County are implemented as per the Government guidelines.