Security Committee Raises Alarm Over Renovation Funding in 2026/27 Budget Talks

Members of the Administration and Internal Security Committee have raised concerns over proposed renovation expenditures during deliberations on the 2026/27 Budget Policy Statement (BPS), questioning the prudence of allocating substantial funds to refurbish rented premises.

The concerns arose when the Committee met officials from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, represented by Chief of Staff Mr. Joseph Busiega. The Office is seeking KES 280 million for refurbishment works at the Kenya Railways Headquarters in Nairobi.

Lawmakers pressed for clarification on the rationale behind investing heavily in a leased facility, calling for assurances that the expenditure would deliver value for money and align with prudent public finance management principles.

In response, Mr. Busiega explained that the proposed allocation is primarily intended to bolster security infrastructure. He noted that the refurbishment plans include installation of modern surveillance systems and other critical security enhancements necessary to safeguard government operations.

The Committee also engaged the Office of the Deputy President, led by Principal Administrative Secretary Mr. Moses Mbaruku, which presented its FY 2026/27 Budget Policy Statement.

According to the presentation, the Office has proposed an allocation of approximately KES 3.581 billion, with the bulk of the funding earmarked for recurrent expenditure to facilitate administration, coordination, and supervision functions.

However, the Office reported a funding shortfall of about KES 967.3 million, citing increased operational demands and priority commitments that require additional resources.

Members underscored the importance of fiscal discipline and accountability as the government navigates competing budgetary pressures. They emphasized that the BPS review process offers a crucial opportunity for policy-level engagement to ensure that proposed allocations are justified and responsive to national priorities.

The Committee, chaired by Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo, is expected to continue its scrutiny of Budget Policy Statement proposals from other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the coming days, as part of its mandate to inform the annual budget estimates.