The National Assembly has recommended an additional allocation of Ksh1 billion to the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to enhance the agency's operations.
The proposal to increase the budgetary allocation came after NIS Director General Noordin Haji lamented that the security at Kenya's borders is deterioriating and blamed it on inadequate funding.
Nelson Koech, the chairperson of the Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee, made the recommendation to the Budget and Appropriations Committee when he appeared before it on Monday.
NIS Haji on Monday, May 12, raised concern about security on the country's borders, as he claimed agencies had to make do with outdated equipment due to chronic underfunding.
According to Koech, the funds would enable the NIS to carry out additional recruitments to bolster its capacity to address infiltration threats from neighbouring countries.
Haji made the revelations while speaking before the National Assembly, where he compared Kenya's situation to neighbouring countries, who he believes are better poised to deal with security threats.
"If you look at Uganda, you have the Karamojong and other communities crossing into Kenya for cattle rustling. They’ve even encroached on some of our land,'' Haji observed.
Furthermore, Koech appealed to the Budget Committee to consider allocating an additional Ksh2 million for military recruitment, which has stalled over the years following the budget cuts and lack of funds.
Additionally, there are proposals to allocate an additional Ksh1 billion to the Kenya Defence Force (KDF). This money would enable the military to maintain its major assets and equipment.
Meanwhile, to support Kenya's space security, the Kenya Space Agency could receive an additional Ksh500 million.
According to the Defence Committee, the money would go towards the construction and upgrading o the Kenya Spaceport Project.
The Kenya Spaceport Project refers to new efforts to develop a domestic satellite launch facility, which would give Kenya the ability to launch its own satellites and serve as a regional hub for space launches.
The aim includes developing infrastructure for satellite launches, boosting local capacity for space science, earth observation, and telecommunications, and eventually generating revenue from international clients.
In addition, Koech proposed an additional allocation of Ksh500 million for tooling and equipping the Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL).
KSL is a state-owned enterprise established in 2020 under the Ministry of Defence. Its primary mandate is to develop Kenya's shipbuilding and maritime repair capabilities, serving both military and civilian needs.
