NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has increased the National Intelligence Service (NIS) budget by Sh9.3 billion, raising it from Sh46.35 billion to Sh55.65 billion, to address escalating security challenges in the region.
Nelson Koech, chairperson of the National Assembly’s Defence and Foreign Relations Committee, informed the Liaison Committee that this budgetary increment is essential to bolster security operations in response to instability in neighboring countries, including Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan, and South Sudan.
David Karanja, NIS Director of Administration, highlighted several factors necessitating the budget increase:
- Enhanced surveillance due to heightened threats from Al-Shabaab and the resurgence of groups like ISIS and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) near Kenyan borders.
- Countermeasures against insurgents’ use of drones targeting key installations.
- Strengthening capabilities to address the rising incidence of cyber-attacks.
- Monitoring the security situation amid intensified political activities within the country.
Karanja noted that as of December 31, 2024, NIS had utilized 62.01% of its previous budget, amounting to Sh28.74 billion.
He also mentioned that NIS had not withdrawn any funds under Article 223 of the Constitution, which allows for expenditure without prior parliamentary approval under specific circumstances.
The Defence and Foreign Relations Committee has recommended that future NIS budget submissions include a more detailed breakdown to enable thorough scrutiny before approval.
Currently, NIS budgetary allocations are presented as a single line item, limiting public and parliamentary oversight.
