- NIS Director-General Haji says the current KES 55B budget is not enough for 2024–2025.
- A KES 14B deficit is affecting the agency’s ability to handle growing security risks.
- Illegal weapons from neighboring countries continue entering Kenya.
- Haji warns that national freedoms could be in danger if the funding gap remains.
- Budget cuts over the years have weakened intelligence operations.
Appearing before Parliament’s Defence and Intelligence Committee, NIS Director-General Noordin Haji expressed deep concern over the agency’s financial situation. He noted that the current budget of KES 55 billion falls short by KES 14 billion and is not enough to respond to the country’s evolving security needs.
According to Haji, the funding gap is already putting pressure on security teams and affecting how quickly and effectively they can respond to emerging threats.
Arms Inflow from Neighbors a Growing Concern
Haji warned that illegal firearms are still finding their way into Kenya from unstable neighboring countries like South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Uganda. He said these weapons contribute heavily to rising insecurity, and if nothing changes, it could threaten the peace and safety Kenyans enjoy.
He added that without urgent solutions, citizens could begin to lose the freedoms and safety they currently take for granted.
Modern Threats Demand Better Support
Although the NIS has prevented several security breaches, Haji said their efforts are being weakened by underfunding. He stressed that modern-day threats such as cyber attacks, terrorism, and fake news campaigns are complex and require serious resources to counter.
Without steady and increased financial backing, the agency will struggle to keep up with such advanced challenges.
Budget Cuts Over the Years a Setback
Haji shared that this problem didn’t begin recently. The NIS had a KES 45 billion budget in 2020–2021, which slightly increased to KES 47 billion in 2021–2022. However, in 2022–2023, the budget was cut back to KES 45 billion before being pushed to the current KES 55 billion.
He said the changes in funding over time have disrupted operations, and the agency now needs stable and sufficient support to protect the country properly.
Kenya’s Security Needs Urgent Action
As the country’s security challenges continue to grow in complexity, Haji called on Parliament to take swift action. He insisted that the NIS must be empowered both financially and strategically to protect Kenya from internal and external threats.
The warning serves as a reminder that security is not just about numbers—it’s also about preparedness and support.
