Kenya’s National Police Service is asking Parliament for an additional Sh21 billion to address severe shortages of vehicles, fuel and electricity at police stations, warning that the gaps could compromise security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja presented the request Thursday to the National Assembly’s Administration and Internal Security Committee, chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo. The funding would supplement the service’s existing Sh127 billion annual budget.
Critical operational gaps ahead of polls
Kanja told lawmakers that about 50% of police stations have no vehicles, many lack electricity, and the service struggles with fuel supplies. “50 per cent of our police stations do not have vehicles, and we are also struggling with fuel,” he said, adding that several stations are still operating without power.
The proposed Sh21 billion package includes Sh20.16 billion for recurrent expenditure and Sh1.5 billion for development. Key items cover fuel, vehicles, communication gear, insurance and recruitment of 10,000 new constables.
Specific allocations include Sh5.9 billion for insurance, Sh3.2 billion for security operations, Sh2 billion for communication equipment, Sh1 billion for fuel, Sh1.6 billion to recruit 10,000 police constables, and Sh1 billion for specialised materials, among other needs.
Kanja highlighted a national shortage of around 15,000 officers and stressed the need for timely emergency response capabilities as the country prepares for the next general election. The request responds to operational challenges exposed by recent incidents of unrest in areas including Kisumu and other hotspots.
Police leaders insist the upgrades — including riot control items — are meant to maintain public order and protect lives and property, not to suppress protests. They say they do not anticipate trouble but must be ready.
MPs raise corruption and budgeting concerns
Committee members expressed unease over repeated supplementary requests for what should be predictable costs, such as salaries, and questioned the use of Article 223 of the Constitution for non-emergency spending.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma sharply criticised the rising cost of the National Police Service Referral Hospital at Mbagathi, where construction expenses have ballooned to Sh833 million from an original Sh400 million. “This is corruption. We will not allow this to continue to be part of this request,” Kaluma said.
Lawmakers also flagged the service’s pending bills and urged better alignment between resource requests and measurable improvements in service delivery.
In a related session, the National Police Service Commission, led by Amani Komora, confirmed guidelines for additional salary increments for officers in line with the Maraga Taskforce Report recommendations on police welfare. The commission sought Sh30 million for motor vehicles but faced questions about potential procurement delays at the end of the financial year.
Budget adjustment and way forward
The National Police Service separately revised its personnel emoluments downward by Sh1.4 billion, citing staff exits and recruitment delays. Accounting Officer Bernice Lemedeket explained the adjustment brings the budget in line with actual staffing levels.
Parliament will now scrutinise the Sh21 billion request and decide on approval. The outcome could shape the police service’s ability to maintain stability and respond effectively during the 2027 election period.
