Kenya’s National Police Service has asked Parliament to approve Sh21 billion to address operational shortages and recruit 10,000 police constables ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja told the National Assembly Administration and Internal Security Committee that the additional funds would help close major security gaps affecting police operations across the country.
The request comes on top of the police service’s Sh127 billion annual allocation and targets urgent needs including vehicles, communication equipment, fuel and insurance for officers.
Kanja warned that persistent shortages could weaken national security preparedness if left unresolved before the next polls.
Critical shortages in police stations
Speaking before the committee chaired by Gabriel Tongoyo, Kanja said many police stations lack basic infrastructure needed to operate effectively.
“Fifty percent of our police stations do not have vehicles, and we are also struggling with fuel,” he said, adding that some stations are still operating without electricity.
According to the police service, the proposed Sh21 billion allocation would cover Sh20.16 billion in recurrent expenditure and about Sh1.5 billion in development spending.
The funding would also support communication upgrades and day-to-day operations aimed at strengthening security response nationwide.
Budget breakdown and recruitment plan
Police officials said part of the funding would finance the recruitment of 10,000 police constables to address staffing shortages estimated at about 15,000 officers.
- Sh5.9 billion for insurance costs
- Sh3.2 billion for security operations
- Sh2 billion for communication equipment
- Sh1 billion for fuel
- Sh1.6 billion for recruitment of new officers
- Sh1 billion for specialised operational materials
The service said these investments would help modernise police operations and improve emergency response times.
MPs raise accountability concerns
Members of Parliament questioned frequent budget adjustments involving predictable expenses such as salaries, arguing that such costs should be accurately projected during budget planning.
Lawmakers also cautioned against the misuse of Article 223 of the Constitution, which allows emergency spending outside the approved budget.
Some MPs further raised concerns over rising construction costs at the National Police Service Referral Hospital in Mbagathi, where expenses have increased to Sh833 million from the initial Sh400 million.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma warned that Parliament would closely scrutinise the funding request before approval.
The committee is expected to review the proposal before making recommendations to the National Assembly on whether the additional funding should be granted.
