Kenya Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1960–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$1.2 billion
Ranked #76 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.2%
Ranked #118 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $1.2B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$1.6 billion
Reached in 1979
Kenya Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Kenya is estimated to have spent $1.2 billion on military and defense, representing 1.2% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Kenya is the #76 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $1.2 billion to $1.2 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 5.5% in 1979. The historical average military budget is 1.8% of GDP.
Data source: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database. Values are in constant 2023 US dollars. Data for 2026 is an estimate based on government budget announcements.
Historical Military Spending
Military Spending (% of GDP)
Military Spending (USD Billions, 2023 prices)
Historical Data
| Year | Percent of GDP | USD (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(estimate) | 1.20% | $1,243M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.20% | $1,186M |
| 2024 | 1.00% | $1,130M |
| 2023 | 0.98% | $1,054M |
| 2022 | 1.01% | $1,049M |
| 2021 | 1.08% | $1,074M |
| 2020 | 1.11% | $1,045M |
| 2019 | 1.11% | $1,056M |
| 2018 | 1.21% | $1,100M |
| 2017 | 1.24% | $1,072M |
| 2016 | 1.25% | $1,045M |
| 2015 | 1.20% | $971M |
| 2014 | 1.20% | $900M |
| 2013 | 1.40% | $990M |
| 2012 | 1.49% | $1,003M |
| 2011 | 1.38% | $887M |
| 2010 | 1.37% | $868M |
| 2009 | 1.37% | $819M |
| 2008 | 1.62% | $802M |
| 2007 | 1.55% | $841M |