Friday, 28 February, 2025
Defence PS appears before Committee on Ministry’s Budget𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
The National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations has engaged with the Ministry of Defence on consideration of the Budget Policy Statement for 2025/26.
The proposed budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Defence is Kshs 204.62 Billion.
Led by Hon. Hon Nelson Koech, Committee Members noted Defence Industrialization programme and the progress of the ongoing military modernization initiative.
Defence Principal Secretary, Dr. Patrick Mariru accompanied by several Agency officials appeared before the Committee to outline the Ministry’s and Agencies' long-term vision for industrialization, which is set to roll out in the 2025/26 financial year.
Lawmakers' questioned how Kenya could position itself as a regional leader in defence technology and manufacturing, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and strategic innovation.
“The success of this programme will depend on clear policies and sustainable funding mechanisms,” Committee Chair, Hon. Nelson Koech noted.
Legislators questioned the Ministry on the implementation of the military modernization programme, which has received approximately KES 105.17 billion in funding since 2017/18.
MPs also raised concerns over the lack of a detailed breakdown of how these funds have been spent over the years.
“The Committee has not been appraised of the details of programmes in modernization or the specific equipment and systems upgraded,” said Hon. Memusi Kanchory asked.
Lawmakers also raised concerns over the Ministry’s pending bills, which settled as a first charge in the 2025/26 budget, potentially affecting available resources for new projects.
Members of the Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations requested a detailed list of outstanding payments.