How State Department for Internal Security Will Spend Funds Allocated This Financial Year

JNAIROBI Kenya, JUNE 17 -The lion’s share of the Sh28.2 billion allocated to the State Department of Internal Security has been earmarked for capacity building for the government administrative officers.

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo on June 16 said they had already lined up a number of critical focus projects with the intent of elevating its coordination and support actions for other government entities at the counties.

The PS added funds will be allocated for fighting alcohol and drug abuse, infrastructural development and capacity building for National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), among others.

To enhance service delivery for development in the counties, Sh3.4 billion has been budgeted for infrastructural development, with the prime focus being on the construction and operationalization of new offices for regional, county and sub-county administrative units.

“Some of our administrative units are still very expansive and require sub-division for easier management. We continue undertaking such capacity adjustment measures to ensure that the government’s presence is felt in every corner of our country,” Dr Omollo said.

To save on costs, Dr Omollo said some existing offices will only be renovated.

Sh729 million has also been set aside for operations in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse with part of it to be used to construct a model treatment and rehabilitation center.

As part of the government’s digitization and automation of critical processes, the State Department will spend Sh85.2 million on paramilitary, security management, and career development training for NGAOs.

PS Omollo says that the mode and scope of these programmes will incorporate the recommendations and proposals presented by the administrators through the County and Regional Commissioners’ forums.

To enhance the country’s maritime security capabilities, the ministry will also acquire modern equipment for the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS).

The Ministry has also prioritized mobility, with Sh8.8 million allocated to the motor vehicle leasing programme and another Sh160 million for construction of security roads and airstrips.

PS Omollo said actualization of the planned initiatives will begin as soon as the department receives the approved funds from the National Treasury.

He added that there were stringent mechanisms to ensure prudent management of resources.

“All our officers are under strict instruction to demonstrate unquestionable diligence in managing resources assigned to them and institutionalize absolute commitment to serving wananchi,” he stated.

The PS also revealed that the ministry has identified potential own sources of revenue, and plans are underway to activate them through the responsible institutions and agencies in a bid to reduce overdependence and pressure on the exchequer.