Security dockets handed Sh200bn for revamp

The new helicopter belonging to the National Police Service hovers around the Kenya Police Air Wing (KPAW) hangar on April 27, 2016. In the current financial year, two Russian made MI 17 helicopters were taken to Czech Republic for overhaul. PHOTO | CHARLES KAMAU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Military upgrades will cost Sh15.6 billion while the National Police Service will spend Sh10 billion to elevate it to a world class status.
  • A modern police service will have a forensic laboratory at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters that is estimated to cost Sh900 million.

Security agencies are set for a massive upgrade worth billions of shillings, according to the latest budget proposals by the National Treasury.

The Interior and Defence departments will in total consume Sh103 billion and Sh98 billion respectively in the 2016/17 financial year that begins on July 1.

The National Intelligence Service will receive Sh25 billion.

Military upgrades will cost Sh15.6 billion while the National Police Service will spend Sh10 billion to elevate it to a world class status.

The institutions spent similar amounts in the last financial year to purchase new hardware, including military-grade armoured personnel carriers for the police, a first in Kenya’s history.

The upgrade is driven by the aggravated risk of terrorism making it the most serious security threat facing Kenya today.

“Security is necessary for encouraging investment, accelerating economic growth and creating more jobs for our youth,” says National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich in the document.

The budget proposals are being scrutinised by Parliament ahead of the new financial year.

A modern police service will have a forensic laboratory at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters that is estimated to cost Sh900 million.

REFURBISHING EQUIPMENT
The cost includes equipping the laboratory so that police become self-reliant in conducting difficult investigations and ensuring that tight evidence is presented in court.

At present, the police rely on the government chemist at Kenyatta National Hospital in cases that require DNA testing.

In more complex cases, DNA samples have to be tested in laboratories abroad.

An additional Sh8.2 billion will also be allocated to the police for leasing new vehicles and aircrafts.

It is a continuation of efforts that began in 2013 with leasing of more than 2,500 vehicles for the police.

In the current financial year, two Russian made MI 17 helicopters were taken to Czech Republic for overhaul.

A third one will leave Kenya for a similar refurbishment once the two are back.

Overhauling the three will cost $10 million (Sh1 billion) and the payment will be staggered over several years.

On Wednesday, a new helicopter – an Italian made Augusta model – took to the skies after it was delivered to the Kenya Police airwing.

And to ensure officers and their families are catered for, the government will spend Sh5.3 billion for the police medical scheme.

The modernisation of the military is geared at ensuring soldiers have an upper hand while combating terrorists, particularly in Somalia where they are fighting Al-Shabaab insurgents.