The National Assembly is pushing for a significant funding boost for the National Intelligence Service (NIS), recommending an extra Ksh1 billion to support and strengthen the agency’s operations.
This proposal follows a strong appeal by NIS Director General Noordin Haji, who expressed serious concerns over the worsening security situation along Kenya’s borders.
He attributed the escalating threats to insufficient funding, which has left key security agencies relying on outdated tools and equipment to carry out their work.
Nelson Koech, the chairperson of the Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee, brought the proposal before the Budget and Appropriations Committee on Monday, May 12.
While addressing the committee, Haji emphasized the urgent need for better funding to effectively secure the nation’s borders and prevent cross-border threats.
Haji pointed out that Kenya is increasingly vulnerable compared to its neighbours, who have invested heavily in modern security infrastructure.
He cited an example of Uganda, stating, “If you look at Uganda, the Karamojong and other communities have been crossing into Kenya for cattle rustling, and they have even gone as far as encroaching on our land.”
His remarks highlighted the immediate security concerns Kenya is grappling with due to border infiltration.
According to Koech, the proposed Ksh1 billion allocation for NIS would help the agency recruit additional personnel and enhance its ability to detect and neutralize threats originating from neighbouring countries. This increase would improve the agency’s intelligence-gathering capacity and allow for more robust operations.
In addition to the NIS funding, Koech made another appeal to the Budget Committee to allocate Ksh2 million towards military recruitment. He noted that the recruitment process had stagnated in recent years because of consistent budget cuts and a general lack of financial support.
Reviving military recruitment, he said, was essential to ensure the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are adequately staffed to meet current and future security demands.
Further to that, the committee is also proposing a separate allocation of Ksh1 billion to the KDF. This funding would help the military maintain its major assets, including vehicles, aircraft, and other critical defence equipment.
Proper maintenance of military assets is considered essential for national preparedness and operational readiness.
In a move to boost Kenya’s capabilities in space security, Koech also recommended an additional Ksh500 million for the Kenya Space Agency.
This funding would be directed towards the development and upgrading of the Kenya Spaceport Project — a bold initiative aimed at establishing a local satellite launch site.
The Kenya Spaceport Project is part of a broader vision to enhance Kenya’s self-reliance in space science and technology.
Once fully developed, the facility will support the launching of domestic satellites, provide services such as earth observation and telecommunications, and eventually attract international clients looking for a regional hub to launch their satellites.
This would not only advance scientific and technological research but also generate revenue for the country.
On top of all this, Koech has also proposed that Ksh500 million be allocated to Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) for tooling and equipment.
KSL is a government-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Defence, formed in 2020. Its core responsibility is to develop the country’s shipbuilding industry and strengthen its maritime repair capabilities.
The funding would allow KSL to improve its facilities and enhance its capacity to serve both military and civilian sectors.
In summary, the National Assembly’s recommendations aim to address several pressing issues within the country’s defence and intelligence sectors.
The additional funding is expected to enhance security operations, support modern technological developments, and ensure Kenya remains capable of defending its territory and advancing its strategic interests on both land and in space.
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