National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji has painted a grim picture of Kenya's current security landscape, urging Parliament to approve the Sh65 billion requested in the agency's budget for the 2024/25 financial year.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, Haji underscored the crucial role of security agencies in protecting the country's sovereignty, stability, and territorial integrity.
He warned that ongoing budget shortfalls could severely hamper national defence efforts, especially at a time when Kenya faces increasing hostilities from elements in some neighbouring states. "I am saddened that we do not take our national security seriously.
Over the past decade, the security sector has not received sufficient funding to procure adequate equipment to defend the country.
