Examining the Evolving Role of the Kenyan Military in National Development

Abstract

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.