MPs Question Sh105.17 Billion Spent On Military Modernization

Legislators have raised concerns over Sh105.17 billion allocated to Kenya’s military modernization programme since 2017/18, questioning the Ministry of Defence on how the funds have been used.

The National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations is reviewing the Ministry’s Budget Policy Statement for 2025/26, which proposes a total allocation of Sh204.62 billion.

Led by Committee Chair MP Nelson Koech, lawmakers scrutinized the Defence Industrialization programme and the progress of ongoing military upgrades. They emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and strategic innovation to position Kenya as a regional leader in defence technology and manufacturing.

“The success of this programme will depend on clear policies and sustainable funding mechanisms,” Koech noted.

Defence Principal Secretary Dr. Patrick Mariru, accompanied by senior officials, outlined the Ministry’s long-term vision for industrialization, set to roll out in the 2025/26 financial year.

However, MPs expressed concerns over the lack of a detailed breakdown of past expenditures. “The Committee has not been given a clear account of how the modernization funds have been spent or which equipment and systems have been upgraded,” MP Memusi Kanchory stated.

Additionally, lawmakers questioned the Ministry’s pending bills, which are prioritized in the 2025/26 budget. They warned that settling these obligations first could limit resources available for new projects.

The Committee has requested a comprehensive list of outstanding payments to ensure accountability in future defence spending.