Gov’t Moves to Deepen MP–MMDCE Collaboration on Local Development, Says Minister Ahmed Ibrahim

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has detailed the legal framework guiding cooperation between Members of Parliament and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, as well as how District Assemblies Common Fund allocations are determined.

Responding to questions in Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim cited Section 5(1)(c) of the Local Governance Act, 2016, Act 936. The provision states that a District Assembly shall include the MP or MPs for constituencies within the district’s jurisdiction.

“This statutory arrangement creates a formal mechanism for collaboration between honourable members of parliament and metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives in planning, budgeting and development oversight at the local level,” the Minister told the House.

On funding, he referenced Article 252(1) and (2) of the 1992 Constitution, which establishes the District Assemblies Common Fund and requires Parliament to allocate not less than 5% of total national revenue to district assemblies for development.

“This criteria ensures that resources are directed where they are most needed with input from the respective honourable members of parliament during general assembly meetings,” he said.

Hon. Ibrahim added that under Section 126 of Act 936, the Ministry is working through DACF to enhance financial allocations to MMDAs to strengthen development planning, project execution, and service delivery.

He also noted that MPs receive a constituency allocation, commonly called the MPs’ Common Fund, drawn from a percentage of DACF. It supports small-scale needs such as assistance to vulnerable constituents, farm inputs, and community facilities like boreholes and water systems.

According to the Minister, new protocols are being strengthened that require MMDCEs to notify and brief MPs on key planning, budgeting, and development committee meetings. The aim is to make sure constituency priorities feed into medium-term development plans and that local projects are jointly monitored.

“Mr Speaker, the ministry is also strengthening protocols that require MMDCEs to notify and brief honourable members of parliament on key planning, budgeting and development committee meetings so that constituency priorities are reflected in the medium-term development plans and local projects are jointly monitored and publicly accountable to the people,” he said.