Kenya’s national security is now facing serious risks due to lack of money, according to the National Intelligence Service (NIS). On Monday, May 12, the Director General of NIS, Noordin Haji, raised alarm about the current situation.
While addressing the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defense, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations, Haji said that border security operations were being carried out using old and outdated equipment because the government has not been providing enough funding.
This shortage of resources, he warned, is making it hard to protect the country’s borders.Haji compared Kenya’s situation with that of neighboring countries, saying they are better prepared when it comes to handling security threats.
He mentioned that Uganda’s Karamojong community and other groups often cross into Kenya for cattle rustling. Some of these groups have even occupied parts of Kenyan land. He also pointed out the situation in South Sudan, where illegal guns are flowing across the border unchecked. In Ethiopia, Haji said that the Oromo Liberation Army is occupying parts of Kenya’s territory.
He added that although Kenya’s forces are trying their best to respond to these issues, the equipment they are using is not up to standard. Haji stressed that for the country’s defense, intelligence, and security operations to succeed, proper funding is needed. He even offered to share the agency’s financial records with the parliamentary committee to show just how serious the budget shortfall is.
For the 2024/2025 financial year, the agency requested more money but only received Ksh51 billion. This amount was Ksh14 billion less than what they had asked for.
During the same meeting, which was chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, the committee also learned that some military units in Kenya have not received any equipment updates for over ten years. This lack of upgrades makes it even more difficult for security officers to deal with current threats effectively.
Haji went on to tell the committee that the government must start treating national security with the seriousness it deserves. He questioned whether the leaders are truly committed to protecting Kenyans.
He also shared the estimated cost of training new soldiers. According to Haji, the Kenya Defence Forces recruitment exercise will cost around Ksh2 billion, and each recruit will need about Ksh2 million for a nine-month training period. After raising their concerns, the NIS now has to wait for the parliamentary committee to go through the budget proposals and make decisions for the next financial year.
The agency, which serves as the government’s eyes and ears on matters inside and outside the country, is now left in a vulnerable position as it waits for much-needed support.