NIS Issues Warning On National Security After Budget Cuts
Kenya’s national security is jeopardized by a lack of money to sustain border security activities, according to the National Intelligence Service.
On Monday, May 12, Director General Noordin Haji expressed concern regarding border security, claiming that agencies were forced to use antiquated equipment owing to chronic underfunding.
Haji revealed the revelations while testifying before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defense, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations.
The NIS Director compared Kenya’s condition to neighboring countries, which he believes are better prepared to deal with security challenges.
“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.
National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Haji has urged Parliament to ensure adequate funding for Kenya’s security apparatus, warning that national defense efforts could be undermined if current budget shortfalls persist. pic.twitter.com/2BKrfCPrlO
— TheStarKenya (@TheStarKenya) May 12, 2025
He added, “In South Sudan, there’s the unchecked flow of small arms. In Ethiopia, the Oromo Liberation Army is occupying some of our territory.
“Our forces are trying to respond, but when you consider the kind of equipment we have, it’s really wanting.”
Haji emphasized the importance of proper resources for efficiently carrying out their defense, intelligence, and national security tasks.
In an unusual display of vulnerability, Haji went so far as to offer to share the agency’s financial information in order to demonstrate the depth of budget deficiencies.
According to the NIS director, the agency was granted Ksh51 billion in the 2024/2025 fiscal year, which was Ksh14 billion less than the NIS asked.
During the meeting, which was headed by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, the committee also learned that certain military units had not received crucial equipment upgrades in a decade.
Haji went a step further, explicitly urging the administration to show ‘seriousness in managing concerns of national security’.
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“We must ask ourselves whether we are genuinely committed to giving Kenyans the security they deserve,” he said.
While quoting estimates, Haji stated that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment exercise will cost at least Ksh2 billion, with an estimated Ksh2 million required for each recruit’s nine-month training.
After airing their objections, the NIS will have to wait for the parliamentary committee to discuss further on the planned budget for the next fiscal year before making any suggestions.
The intelligence agency serves as the government’s eyes and ears on both internal and foreign levels.
NIS Issues Warning On National Security After Budget Cuts
