The security sector is among the top gainers in the 2023-2024 fiscal year allocation in the budget statement tabled in Parliament by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof Njuguna Ndung’u with Sh338billion earmarked to enhance security operations.
The CS said the allocation was informed by the critical role the sector plays in creating a safe environment for the country.
Of the amount, Sh144.9 billion has been earmarked for the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Sh98.6 billion for the National Police Service (NPS), Sh44.3 billion for the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and Sh31.3 billion for prisons services.
Further, Sh8.8 billion has been earmarked for the leasing of police motor vehicles while Ksh500 million will be used for the police modernization plan even as the government seeks to better equip the National Police Service.
He however said the service needed more funds in the modernization programme, saying he would initiate negotiations with MPs on the same.
“I would later be requesting this August House for enhanced funding approval once the ongoing discussions on a Comprehensive Modernization Programme is concluded.” Ndung’u said.
He added that Sh856 million has been set aside to equip the national forensic laboratory in a bid to step up the war on crime and enhance support to administration of justice.
He said the budget had also taken into consideration the welfare of the disciplined forces which he said is at the centre of the Kenya Kwanza administration with delivery of staff houses set to be expedited through public-private partnership framework.