Sh40.96 billion slash in police budget sparks alarm

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has warned that a Sh40.96 billion budget cut imposed on the National Police Service (NPS) could severely disrupt its operations and jeopardise national security at a time when the country is facing serious internal threats.

Kanja, who was speaking before the National Assembly’s Administration and Internal Security Committee, said the reduced funding would cripple essential police functions, including the procurement of ammunition, police uniforms, and vehicle maintenance.

"Even though the NPS recurrent expenditure has increased, budget cuts have been effected in areas which are core to the police operations. Further cuts on development have affected very critical projects," he said.

According to the 2025/26 budget estimates, the NPS has been allocated Sh125.3 billion, of which Sh102.5 billion, about 82.8%, is earmarked for personnel emoluments and medical insurance.

Only Sh29.89 billion is for recurrent expenditure and Sh11.07 billion for development, which Kanja said is far from sufficient.

He noted that essential areas like the recruitment of new officers, the purchase of ammunition, and the modernisation of police infrastructure have all been heavily affected.

A proposal to recruit 10,000 constables at a cost of Sh6.4 billion was cut to Sh2.9 billion, creating a funding gap of Sh3.5 billion.

Likewise, a request for Sh3.83 billion for police uniforms was slashed to Sh1.34 billion.

The budget for security operations was also reduced from Sh14.42 billion to Sh6.4 billion, while Sh489.6 million meant for purchasing police equipment and supplies was cut.

"This will mainly affect the purchase of security supplies, including ammunition and accessories," said Kanja.

Mobility will also suffer after a Sh306.2 million cut to the fuel and lubricants budget and another Sh111.4 million cut from the routine maintenance of vehicles.

"Police operations require constant mobility," he said, highlighting the impact across 1,209 police stations nationwide.

Efforts to modernise the force have not been spared.

A Sh200 million cut will hinder the planned procurement of crowd and riot control gear ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Domestic travel and subsistence budgets were reduced by Sh156.9 million, which Kanja said would weaken nationwide police operations.

Training, which is vital for promotions, saw an Sh18.5 million reduction.

The forensic laboratory at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, a critical tool in crime management, received only Sh125 million out of the Sh1.5 billion proposed.

This drew sharp criticism from MPs.

"We, as a government, are not serious about investing in the laboratory. We know it can generate more resources and help manage crime in the country, but we do not want to fully operationalise it," said Sotik MP Francis Sigei.

The DCI academy had sought Sh155 million for refurbishment and basic facilities, but was only given Sh10 million.

Meanwhile, Mount Elgon MP and committee chair Fred Kapondi questioned the allocation of Sh2.8 billion for the Multi-National Security Support Mission in Haiti, which leaves just Sh21.3 billion for domestic operations.

"How is the Haiti mission funded by the exchequer? I thought it was funded by the United Nations," he asked.

In response to the constrained budget, some MPs suggested the police service suspend less urgent projects.

However, Kanja maintained that without the reinstatement of the Sh40.96 billion, key operations would remain at risk.

"This will severely affect the NPS officers’ mobility," he said.