National security gets Sh464.9 billion in budget, but gaps remain amid rising threats
The NIS, for example, has been accorded Sh14 billion less than its boss, Noordi Haji, urged Parliament to approve last month.
To continue improving national security, and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens as a key enabler of economic advancement and national prosperity, the National Treasury has allocated Sh464.9 billion in the financial year 2025/26 to support operations of the National Police Service, Defence, the National Intelligence Service, and Prison Services.
Other proposed allocations include Sh10 billion for the lease financing of police motor vehicles, Sh3.6 billion for police modernisation, and Sh1.1 billion for the modernisation of national forensic facilities.
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"Mr Speaker, a stable and secure environment fosters investment, trade, and overall economic growth. In this regard, I have proposed an allocation of Sh202.3 billion for Defence; Sh125.7 billion for the National Police Service; Sh51.4 billion for the National Intelligence Service; Sh32.5 billion for Internal Security and National Administration and Sh38.1 billion for Prisons Services," Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said while reading the budget statement on Thursday afternoon.
In the 2024 budget, national security was allocated a total of Sh377.5 billion, which is Sh87.4 billion up compared to the 2025/2026 budget.
It, however, falls short of"the current funding demand for a growing pile of priority demands for the sector.
NIS allocation
The NIS, for example, has been accorded Sh14 billion less than its boss, Noordi Haji, urged Parliament to approve last month.
While explaining the dire security situation is in to parliamentarians Haji said security would be at risk if the MPs fail to approve sh65B to the agency, Haji warned that ongoing budget shortfalls could severely hamper national defence efforts, especially at a time when Kenya faces increasing hostilities from elements in some neighbouring states.
I am saddened that we do not take our national security seriously. Over the past decade, the security sector has not received sufficient funding to procure adequate equipment to defend the country. This should not be taken lightly," said Haji.
The other agencies are also in need of more funding to meet their reforms, modernisation demands and to run special operations optimally.
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