Examining the Evolving Role of the Kenyan Military in National Development

• Raudhat Saddam

  Horn Institute

  Author

• Janice Nabwire Sanya

  Horn Institute

  Author

• Daniel Iberi

  Horn Institute

  Author

• Mumo Nzau

  National Defence University - Kenya

  Author

Military involvement in enhancing human security has been a trend in the last few decades. Under the realist paradigm, the state is the main actor in the international system, and its survival is dependent upon sufficient power to pursue and defend its national interests. However, the security spectrum has broadened beyond traditional external military threats. Thus, human security has emerged, with the individual being the referent object. Government initiatives towards building state capacity and development deal with enhancing human security, making it possible for the military to intervene and boost development efforts from within. Expectedly, the involvement of the military in development has provoked multiple arguments. Scholars have argued that this approach diverts already scarce manpower and resources from their primary task. Due to the perceived danger that their neighbouring states pose to them. The involvement of the military in national development has been justified on the grounds that the disciplined forces have filled in where civilian authority had failed or underperformed. Hence, leveraging the unique capabilities and capacities within the military. This paper examines the evolving role of the Kenyan military in national development. Desktop research and review of existing literature such as books, journals, reports, legal documents, and articles, are used in this research.

1. Raudhat Saddam, Horn Institute

   Raudhat Sayeeda Saddam is a Researcher at the HORN Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Strathmore University (Kenya). Her areas of interest include Youth and Female empowerment, International Development, Conflict Resolution, and Community Development.

2. Janice Nabwire Sanya, Horn Institute

   Janice Nabwire Sanya is a Project Assistant at the HORN Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Diplomacy from the University of Nairobi (Kenya). Her areas of interest include Diplomacy and Foreign Relations, Food Security, Regionalism and World Politics, and Politics of Aid and Development. She also has experience in  Project Planning and Implementation. 

3. Daniel Iberi, Horn Institute

   Daniel Iberi is a Strategic Communications Specialist with more than 10 years of experience in the field of communication as a consultant, trainer, and academic. Iberi’s proficiency lies in designing and implementing communication strategies, crafting impactful narratives, writing and editing, training, managing digital communication channels, overseeing websites, and coordinating projects. Iberi holds a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Education (English) from Kenyatta University. He also holds various certifications in the fields of communication, media and conflict, development, and security. 

4. Mumo Nzau, National Defence University - Kenya

   Dr. Mumo Nzau holds a PhD in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi; and adjunct faculty United States International University (USIU), Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), National Defence College (NDC), Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC), International Peace Support Training Centre (ISPTC), Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and RDF Command and Staff College among others.

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