National security budget shoots up as war on terror intensifies

Ministry of defence Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Raychelle Omamo (3rd right) , flanked by among others the Kenya Defence Forces Deputy Chief of Defence Force J.Kasaoini (2nd right) follows proceedings around the Fallen Heroes monument after laying a wreath at the Kenya Navy base Mtongwe in Mombasa County on Friday,014th October,2016. PHOTO BY MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD

Kenya’s annual budget for military and spy operations has doubled in the five years the military has been fighting Al Shaabab militants in Somalia.

The Standard on Sunday has reviewed data from the National Treasury which show this year, the country will spend Sh124 billion on “national security” which comprises spending on the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Intelligence Service (NIS).