NIS, MOD appeal to Defence Committee for enhanced budget 

Parliament Budlings
Monday, 12th May 2025

Security agencies have appealed to the National Assembly Committee on Defence Intelligence and Foreign Relations for increased funding in the 2025/2026 financial year.

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

Appearing first, the Principal Secretary for Defence Dr. Patrick Mariru and Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Mugaravai Omenda outlined their ministry’s priorities, citing the need to modernize equipment, strengthen border security, and boost troop welfare.

The Director General of the National Intelligence Service, Mr. Noordin Haji, called for enhanced funding of intelligence and security apparatus. 

He briefed Committee Members on budget shortfalls that could compromise the country’s ability to detect and respond to threats like 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 capacity to act swiftly,” Haji told lawmakers.

He disclosed that while the NIS had requested KSh 65 billion for the 2024/2025 financial year, it was allocated KSh 51 billion leaving a funding gap of KSh 14 billion. "Bridging this shortfall, would be critical to safeguarding national interests in a rapidly changing security landscape," added Mr. Hajj. 

On her part, Dr. Caroline Karugu, Principal Secretary for the State Department for EAC urged the committee to increase the department’s budget to support regional integration and trade, noting that the East African Community bloc presents significant untapped opportunities for Kenya’s economic growth.

“The EAC market is a strategic pillar for Kenya’s foreign and trade policy. We must invest in it,” Dr. Karugu said.

The Committee will tomorrow engage with the State Department of Foreign Affairs and the State Department of Diaspora Affairs.