As Kenya prepares for the 2027 elections, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has outlined a Sh330 billion allocation for agencies responsible for security and election management.
The budget, which forms part of President William Ruto’s election-year financial plan, aims to strengthen national security in response to rising local, regional, and international threats.
The Ministry of Interior will receive an additional Sh7 billion, raising its budget to Sh42.9 billion, while the police service under Inspector General Douglas Kanja is set for a Sh12 billion boost, bringing its total funding to Sh139 billion.
These increases are intended to enhance law enforcement readiness, especially with concerns of a potentially tense electoral period.
Agencies tasked with election management will also see significant funding. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is projected to get an extra Sh15 billion, taking its allocation to Sh24.9 billion.
Despite this, the commission insists it requires Sh61 billion to run elections effectively, highlighting the need for timely release of funds to avoid logistical setbacks.
Kenya’s security challenges are multifaceted. Locally, terrorism remains a key threat, with groups such as al Shabaab posing direct risks due to their operations in Somalia.
This necessitates close coordination between the National Intelligence Service and the police to prevent attacks. Regionally, instability in neighboring countries, including South Sudan’s civil conflict and Ethiopia’s volatility, adds pressure on Kenya’s security framework.
On the international front, Kenya’s involvement in global counter-terrorism initiatives demands well-equipped intelligence and policing agencies capable of operating in complex global security environments.
The budget also reflects broader government priorities. The Office of the Deputy President will get an extra Sh500 million, while the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary will receive Sh470 million.
Parliamentary funding has increased by Sh900 million, bringing its total to Sh48.7 billion. The Judiciary, central to maintaining electoral integrity, is allocated Sh29.9 billion, marking a Sh3 billion rise.
However, the allocations come amid a looming financial strain. Kenya faces a Sh1.1 trillion deficit, prompting the government to rely on Sh1 trillion in domestic loans and Sh90 billion in international borrowing.
This has sparked debate over balancing security needs with critical public services, including education and health.
National Treasury has called on ministries to focus on high-impact projects and cut low-priority spending to ensure that these allocations translate into measurable benefits.
Lawmakers have raised questions over the value of substantial funding to high offices, stressing the need for oversight to prevent waste and ensure resources reach areas that directly benefit citizens.
A recent review by the National Assembly Security Committee has further challenged the efficiency of state agency spending, noting that growing non-discretionary expenditures could undermine the impact of increased allocations.
