Saturday, 21 February, 2026
POLICE WARN OF OPERATIONAL STRAIN AS FUNDING GAP WIDENSParliament Buildings Friday, 20th February 2026The National Police Service (NPS) is seeking enhanced resource allocation for the FY 2026/27 to improve its operational efficiency.Speaking before the Administration and Internal Security Committee chaired by Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja, stated that the Service requires additional funding to procure crowd and riot control equipment, as well as motor vehicles to enhance mobility.“The recent riots have depleted the NPS stock of equipment necessary to ensure that police officers do not resort to live ammunition. In addition, the lack of vehicles has led to delays in police response, thereby hindering service delivery,” said IG Kanja.He also identified security operations, enhancement of air support services, and training and capacity building as key priority areas that need funding. The Committee also met with the State Department for Parliamentary Affairs, led by Dr. Aurelia Rono, who requested an increase of Ksh 1,631 million to address underfunded programmes.Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) noted that it requires Ksh 73.6 million to clear 840 backlog investigations out of 3,935 cases.IPOA CEO, Mr. Elema Halake, stated that the Authority has made significant progress in overseeing the National Police Service. He also requested the Committee for additional allocation of Ksh 710.59 million to address the budgetary shortfall and support critical activities.The Committee is expected to table its report on the budget proposals before the House.