The National Police Service (NPS) is grappling with acute budgetary constraints that could compromise its ability to manage public demonstrations using non-lethal methods, Inspector General Douglas Kanja has told lawmakers.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Administration and Internal Security Committee chaired by Gabriel Tongoyo on Friday, Kanja disclosed that recent protests have significantly depleted stocks of crowd-control equipment, including teargas canisters. Without adequate supplies, he warned, officers may find themselves with limited alternatives during volatile situations.
He further highlighted a shortage of operational vehicles, saying the gap has slowed emergency response times and undermined effective policing in several regions.
Kanja appealed to Parliament to urgently increase funding allocations to the service, noting that additional resources are needed to replenish non-lethal equipment, enhance mobility, strengthen air support, and expand officer training.
His remarks are likely to reignite debate among civil society organisations, particularly human rights groups that have repeatedly expressed concern over the use of force during demonstrations.
The discussion comes against the backdrop of previous controversy involving senior government officials over directives issued to security agencies during periods of unrest. Last year, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen faced criticism after comments interpreted by activists as endorsing the use of lethal force under certain circumstances.
Separately, President William Ruto previously defended police action during violent protests, maintaining in later interviews that officers are legally permitted to use force where lives and critical infrastructure are under threat.
As Parliament considers budget adjustments, the spotlight remains on how the country balances public order with constitutional safeguards on the use of force.