Nairobi, Kenya (Afrovera) Kenya’s government has allocated Ksh464.8 billion to national security in its proposed Ksh4.29 trillion budget for the 2025/26 financial year, signaling a strong focus on defence, law enforcement, and internal stability amid ongoing regional and domestic challenges.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, while delivering the budget statement to Parliament on Thursday, described national security as a “cornerstone” of economic growth and investor confidence.
“A stable and secure environment fosters investment, trade, and overall economic growth,” Mbadi said.
Defence, Police, and Intelligence Take the Lead
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The Ministry of Defence is set to receive the largest share of the security budget Ksh202.3 billion, followed by the National Police Service (NPS) at Ksh125.7 billion.
The National Intelligence Service (NIS), charged with counter-terrorism and intelligence gathering, has been allocated Ksh51.4 billion. Meanwhile, the Kenya Prisons Service will receive Ksh38.1 billion, and the Internal Security and National Administration will get Ksh32.5 billion.
These investments reflect the government’s multi-pronged approach to maintaining law and order, improving intelligence operations, and strengthening correctional systems.
Security Modernization Gets a Boost
In addition to the core allocations, the Treasury has proposed further funding to modernize the sector:
- Ksh10 billion for the leasing of police vehicles to enhance mobility and response times.
- 6 billion for the Police Modernisation Programme, a long-standing initiative to improve equipment, infrastructure, and training.
- 2 billion to expand and upgrade National Forensic Facilities, with the goal of improving crime investigation and justice administration.
These supplementary funds suggest a renewed government effort to modernize and professionalize law enforcement agencies in the face of evolving security threats.
Empowering Youth and Women Through Targeted Investments
Beyond security, the budget also includes significant allocations for youth and women empowerment areas often linked to long-term peace and economic stability.
- Ksh10 billion has been set aside for the National Youth Service (NYS).
- 6 billion is earmarked for the National Youth Opportunity Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program.
- Ksh318 million will go toward the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, which aims to support entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment.
A Strategic Shift toward Stability and Growth
The 2025/26 budget reflects the administration’s dual priorities: safeguarding the nation from internal and external threats while investing in social programs that tackle root causes of insecurity such as joblessness and inequality.
Analysts say the increased funding for security is timely, given regional instability in East Africa and the global rise in organized crime, cyber threats, and extremism.
“This is not just about boots on the ground. It’s about building institutions that prevent crime, enhance justice, and create conditions for long-term peace,” said one Nairobi-based security analyst.
If approved by Parliament, the new budget would place Kenya among the African countries with the highest proportional investment in security a move likely to spark both praise and debate in the coming weeks.
