NIS Warns Sh14bn Funding Gap Could Hurt Kenya’s Fight Against Terrorism, Cybercrime

Security agencies have appealed to the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations for enhanced funding in the upcoming 2025/2026 financial year to address emerging threats and bolster national security.

The committee, chaired by Belgut MP Hon. Nelson Koech, began scrutinizing budget estimates with submissions from the Ministry of Defence, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the State Department for East African Community (EAC).

Principal Secretary for Defence Dr. Patrick Mariru and Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Mugaravai Omenda appeared before the committee, outlining key priorities including equipment modernization, border security reinforcement, and improved welfare for troops.

NIS Warns of Budget Shortfalls, Calls for Urgent Funding

National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji raised concerns over budget constraints, warning that insufficient funding could weaken Kenya’s ability to combat terrorism, cybercrime, and disinformation.

“Our national security organs must be fully funded to effectively execute their constitutional mandate. Intelligence alone is not enough—frontline agencies also need the capacity to act swiftly,” Haji told lawmakers.

He revealed that while the NIS had requested KSh 65 billion for the 2024/2025 financial year, it was allocated only KSh 51 billion, leaving a KSh 14 billion deficit.

 “Bridging this shortfall is critical to safeguarding national interests in a rapidly changing security landscape,” he added.

EAC Department Advocates for Regional Integration Support

Dr. Caroline Karugu, Principal Secretary for the State Department of EAC, urged the committee to increase funding to leverage regional trade opportunities within the East African Community.

“The EAC market is a strategic pillar for Kenya’s foreign and trade policy. We must invest in it to unlock economic growth,” she said.

The committee is set to meet with the State Department for Foreign Affairs and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs tomorrow as budget hearings continue.