NAIROBI: The Government has increased the amount of money allocated to defence, security and intelligence services as it moves to stem rising insecurity, especially terror attacks.
A total of Sh223.9 billion was allocated to security agencies out of which the Ministry of Defence and National Intelligence Service (NIS) will receive Sh112.5 billion.
"Tackling insecurity decisively remains number one priority to achieve our productivity goals," Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich said Thursday, adding: "We will focus on addressing the security challenge in order to improve economic environment." The Ministry of Defence will receive Sh96.2 billion while Sh20.1 billion will go to the NIS.
The Government allocated Sh71.3 billion to the Kenya Defence Forces out of which Sh15 billion will be used for military modernisation. A further Sh6.4 billion was allocated to the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
A total of Sh7.7 billion has been allocated for lease financing of police/prisons' motor vehicles, Sh10 billion for police security modernisation, Sh1.7 billion for police medical insurance scheme and Sh1.3 billion for police houses.
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The anti-poaching campaign in national game parks and reserves will receive Sh1.4 billion. Last year, the State allocated Sh66.2 billion for policing services and NIS.
The budget announced Thursday raised the number of vehicles released to the police from 2,000 to 3,200.
The idea to lease vehicles within Government was first announced during the June 2010 budget when President Uhuru Kenyatta served as Finance Minister.
However, the plan was frustrated by lack of co-operation from ministries and other Government agencies including the police force.
It was revived in November 2013 when the President launched a fleet of 1,200 cars to be used by security agencies.
CCTV SYSTEM
Over the last two years, police vehicles increased by over 2,000 and an additional 15,000 security personnel were recruited.
Thursday, Rotich announced that the Integrated Public Safety, Communication and Surveillance system will be finalised this year. The system includes provision of a national surveillance, communication, command and control system for the National Police Service. "We will roll out the CCTV security system in Nairobi and Mombasa. We will not waiver to secure the lives and properties of Kenyans," Rotich said.
In the 2014-2015 budget, the Government allocated an estimated Sh17 billion for the system. Upon completion, the system comprising four components; digital trunking radio network, a central command operation centre, installation of a video surveillance system and internet connectivity to police stations will largely help to tackle security challenges.
