Budget slash threatens security, National Government Administration operations - Interior Ministry
Out of the Sh15.44 billion request, Sh1 billion was earmarked for confidential expenditures related to security operations.
The State Department for Interior is raising concerns over budget cuts that could affect critical operations, including security, administrative functions, and the refurbishment of Harambee House.
The department had requested Sh15.44 billion in the Financial Year 2025-2026 to cover confidential expenditures, facilitate local presidential visits, and purchase motorcycles for National Government Administration (NGA) officers.
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However, the 2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS), currently under parliamentary review, reduced the amount significantly.
Speaking before the National Assembly Administration and Internal Security Committee on Monday, Principal Administrative Secretary Anne Ng'etich explained the importance of the requested funds.
"The shortage will impede effective service delivery, including coordination of national government functions, completion of ongoing projects, and sustenance of security operations across the country," she said.
The initial request was part of the Interior State Department's proposed Sh59 billion budget, which included Sh47 billion for recurrent expenditure and Sh12 billion for development. However, the BPS slashed the allocation to Sh37.51 billion, reducing recurrent expenditure to KSh30.5 billion and development funds to Sh7 billion.
Breakdown of budget requests
Out of the Sh15.44 billion request, Sh1 billion was earmarked for confidential expenditures related to security operations.
Another Sh2.54 billion was meant to integrate village elders into the NGA structure at the grassroots level, following a presidential directive.
A total of Sh2 billion was allocated for the purchase of 8,000 motorcycles only half of the 15,600 required to enhance mobility for NGA officers.
PS Ng'etich noted that chiefs and assistant chiefs would each receive a motorcycle at a unit cost of Sh250,000 to improve service delivery.
The last time such motorcycles were purchased was in 2015.
The department had also sought Sh200 million for the refurbishment of Harambee House but was only allocated Sh20 million.
The ministry is also seeking Sh749.5 million to facilitate local presidential visits and national functions. PS Ng'etich explained that this is based on past expenditure trends.
Additionally, Sh274.7 million is needed to support three major national celebrations; Jamhuri Day in Nairobi, Madaraka Day in Kitui County, and Mashujaa Day in Homa Bay County. These events require logistical and administrative support to ensure smooth execution.
The Interior Ministry is also grappling with underfunding in other critical areas. The department is requesting Sh1.53 billion to support the operations of Regional Coordinators, County Commissioners, Deputy County Commissioners, chiefs, assistant chiefs, and Huduma Centres.
The cuts, if not reviewed, the ministry says it could strain service delivery and hinder the effective execution of the ministry's mandate across the country.
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