Kenya Defence Forces Infrastructure Improvement and its Implications on Livelihoods: A Case of the Nakuru-Kisumu Railway Line Revamp
| dc.contributor.author | Okwaro, Fredrick Ouma | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-09-25T08:59:14Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-09-25T08:59:14Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-06 | |
| dc.description | A Project Report Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Security and Strategic Studies in the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University, June, 2024 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The military has been noted to be at the forefront of infrastructure improvement and its implication on livelihoods. This has been beyond the contemporary function of state sovereignty protection. The study had objectives that identified the contribution of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on infrastructure improvement, examined the rationale of KDF engagement in infrastructure improvement, and analyze the implications of the KDF infrastructure improvement. The Neoclassical Approach, complemented by the Marxist Approach, served the study's theoretical foundation. The study employed a descriptive research design with quantitative and qualitative research techniques utilized in-depth and unstructured interviews. The Kenya Military Headquarters, Waterworks Camp, Hurlingham, Nairobi was the study area. The study used a questionnaire to collect responses from Second Lieutenants, Lieutenants, Captains, Majors, Lieutenant-Colonels, Colonels, Brigadiers, Major Generals, Lieutenant-Generals, and Generals. Through the adoption of Yamane's (1967) formula, a total of 265 respondents were reached, using questionnaires. The pretesting of the research instruments was done among 27 respondents who did not form part of the main study target population. The pre-testing process observed procedures designed for the collection of data with the pre-test size of 10% representing 27 sampled respondents for the pilot study, a recommended and suitable percentage. Validity was ensured by seeking assistance from the supervisor. For reliability, the research instrument was pre-tested to ascertain a Cronbach’s value of more than 0.7. Data collected was compared with government, non-state actors, and other studies' findings for authenticity. Data analysis was done qualitatively and quantitatively using SPSS version 28 for quantitative data, while summaries and triangulation for qualitative data within topical and thematic areas. Graphs, tables, and quotations were used in data presentation. The study had ethical issues consideration on confidentiality, voluntary participation, informed consent of respondents, and relevant introductory letters and research permits obtained. Findings revealed that KDF has made significant contributions to infrastructure improvement that implicates on livelihoods. They have utilized heavy machinery for disaster response and established the KDF Research and Development Center as an innovation hub. By expanding and employing non-military personnel, KDF is aligning with Kenya's Vision 2030 and facilitating the realization of the Big Four Agenda. The impacts of KDF on infrastructure improvement and livelihoods have been felt through expenditures as a percentage of GDP have decreased over time, indicating commitment to development projects. KDF's involvement in revamping the Nakuru-Kisumu Railway line has improved transportation. They have also been engaged in borehole drilling, road and bridge construction, dam construction and de-silting, and provision of medical and veterinary services. In conclusion, these initiatives have had a positive impact at various levels, from individuals and households to communities and the nation as a whole. KDF's rapid response capability has been instrumental in supporting state departments for community socio-economic development. The study recommends on expanding KDF's mandate to include infrastructure development, and the government should plan for infrastructure expansion and consider how social amenities follow when new bases are established. The military can also be assigned low-level development tasks, such as road construction, in the regions where they operate. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/28845 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Kenya Defence Forces Infrastructure Improvement and its Implications on Livelihoods: A Case of the Nakuru-Kisumu Railway Line Revamp | |
| dc.type | Thesis |