Mombasa: Former Prime Minister and ODM party leader Raila Odinga has called for the need to reassess the role of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) within the framework of devolution. Odinga said CDF undermines the constitutional separation of roles but underscored the historical importance of the fund in addressing regional development disparities under a centralized system.
According to Kenya News Agency, Odinga addressed over 3,500 delegates during the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) 42nd annual conference held at Sarova Whitesands, Mombasa. He noted that with the successful implementation of devolution, there is now a stronger case for aligning development initiatives with the mandates of county governments.
This year’s conference edition’s theme is ‘Beyond the Profession: Accountants in all spheres of the economy’. Odinga emphasized that Members of Parliament must concentrate on their constitutional responsibilities of legislation, oversight, and representation, warning that continued control of development funds creates a conflict of interest.
Furthermore, Odinga proposed that bursary distribution and other forms of community support should be fully transferred to county governments to ensure equitable and transparent service delivery. While underscoring the importance of protecting devolution, Odinga also called for accountability in county leadership, noting that governors implicated in corruption should face the full weight of the law.
The ODM leader also urged for a national shift in mindset to accelerate Kenya’s economic transformation under the Vision 2030 blueprint. He cited gains made in infrastructure and energy but pointed out that persistent challenges such as youth unemployment, inequality, and political instability continue to stall progress.
ICPAK Chairman CPA Philip Kakai, in his opening remarks, echoed Odinga’s sentiments, stressing the critical role of professionals, particularly accountants, in shaping the country’s economic trajectory. Kakai described Kenya as being at a pivotal moment, citing slowed economic growth, ballooning public debt exceeding Sh11 trillion, and widespread youth unemployment.
CPA Kuria Kimani, who is also Molo Member of Parliament, emphasized the urgent need for Kenya to adopt sound fiscal governance and strategic financial management to ensure sustainable economic transformation. He highlighted the importance of the Finance Bill 2025, which aims to streamline tax incentives, simplify tax laws, and promote fairness and efficiency.
The CEO of ICPAK, Grace Kamau, called on accounting professionals to rise to the moment and defend the integrity of their profession in the face of mounting global and domestic challenges. She underscored the critical role accountants play in shaping economies, declaring that ‘accountants are the architects of economic resilience.’
As the country pushes forward with economic recovery and reforms, ICPAK continues to position the accounting profession as a cornerstone of sustainable development and institutional accountability. The five-day ICPAK seminar brought together policy experts, finance professionals, and public sector leaders to explore strategies for economic resilience, sound public finance management, and sustainable development in a changing fiscal environment.
