NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya is increasingly vulnerable to regional threats from almost all its neighbors, with the country’s top intelligence chief warning that outdated military equipment and growing instability in bordering states have left national security dangerously exposed.
National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji, in a presentation to the National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, painted a grim picture of the country’s strategic posture.
He said Kenya is under pressure from four out of its five neighboring countries and called for urgent investment in military and surveillance capabilities.
“We are currently facing threats from nearly every neighbouring country, save for Tanzania,” Haji told lawmakers on Monday. “Without security, you cannot enjoy the freedoms that we all cherish.”
Outdated Equipment, Escalating Risks
Haji said the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are struggling to keep pace with modern warfare due to outdated equipment, much of which has not been upgraded in over a decade.
He compared the obsolescence to using outdated smartphones in a world of constant tech upgrades.
“Whatever equipment we buy, it becomes obsolete or requires upgrading — just like your phones,” he said.
The security brief highlighted multiple flashpoints along Kenya’s borders:
- Uganda: Armed Karamajong warriors are pushing into Kenyan territory, fuelling violent cattle rustling.
- South Sudan: A surge in small arms proliferation poses a persistent cross-border threat.
- Ethiopia: The Oromo Liberation Army, reportedly allied with Al-Shabaab, has seized control of parts of Kenyan territory near the border.
- Somalia: Al-Shabaab remains a constant menace, with ongoing insurgent activity along the eastern frontier.
He also flagged worsening instability in Sudan and Ethiopia as major concerns that could further complicate Kenya’s security environment.
Budget Cuts Amid Rising Threats
Despite the growing challenges, Haji revealed that the NIS budget has been slashed by Sh14 billion — from Sh65.6 billion to Sh51.47 billion — in the latest budget estimates.
The agency had requested Sh33.5 billion for enhanced surveillance systems, intelligence modernization, and research.
Among the priorities is the acquisition of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced ground surveillance tech.
Haji said around 70 percent of current equipment is locally sourced as part of efforts to build domestic capacity.
“We want to have our own solutions,” he said.
Global Crises, Local Impact
Haji warned that global conflicts — including wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Yemen — are having a ripple effect on Kenya, introducing new and unpredictable threats.
He criticized what he termed as the politicization of national security, urging lawmakers to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
“There is no amount of money that can absolutely guarantee safety, but our failure to appreciate the seriousness of this moment is costing us,” he said. “We risk being overrun if we continue to treat security like an afterthought.”
The NIS boss called on Parliament to prioritize defence spending and strategic planning in light of the growing external pressures.
