State plans Sh20bn security upgrade in 6 regions ahead of polls

The government has unveiled a Sh20 billion expansion of the National Integrated Security Command and Control Centre (IC4) ahead of next year’s polls.

The ambitious programme is aimed at boosting surveillance, emergency response and crowd-control capacity among law enforcement agencies.

The project is expected to go alongside the Sh6 billion police modernisation programme.

Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Interior PS Raymond Omollo said the IC4 system upgrade would expand the existing surveillance infrastructure beyond Nairobi and Mombasa to Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru and Nyeri.

The PS told MPs the new system would integrate advanced analytics, digital Occurrence Books (OB), and the government administration officers’ system linking chiefs and local administrators into a single national security architecture.

“The project cost estimate is about Sh20 billion and we expect implementation to be completed within one year so that, by June next year, ahead of the elections, it will be fully operational,” Omollo said.

The PS was appearing before the committee to discuss the 2026-27 budget estimates.

Unlike the earlier IC3 project launched around 2013, the PS explained, the new seven-year programme has inbuilt maintenance and sustainability mechanisms to avoid deterioration after the expiry of service contracts.

The disclosure came as lawmakers raised concerns over transparency, audit queries and rising expenditure amid tightening fiscal constraints.

Loima MP Protus Akuja questioned the lack of detailed disclosure on procurement, implementation timelines and future financial obligations tied to the IC4 upgrade.

“We wish to have full disclosure of the total project cost, procurement details, implementation timelines and anticipated future funding obligations to ensure transparency and avoid cost overruns,” Akuja said.

The committee, chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, also pressed the state department to explain the Sh6 billion allocation for police modernisation amid growing concerns over deteriorating police air support capabilities.

He said the committee had earlier been informed by police commanders that most police helicopters and aircraft were grounded.

“There are a lot of problems with the air wing. I think there is always one flying while others are faulty,” Tongoyo said, seeking clarification on whether the modernisation budget included new helicopters and aircraft.

In response, Omollo confirmed that helicopters formed part of the police modernisation plan, although procurement had initially been deferred.

“I wish to confirm that helicopters are part of the modernisation plan. We also intend to repair one helicopter to support police operations,” he said.

The PS said the programme also covers the acquisition of crowd-control equipment, drones, vehicles and ammunition to strengthen policing capacity during heightened political activity.