MILITARY INSTALLATIONS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE TO

LIVELIHOODS IN KENYA: A CASE OF KAHAWA BARRACKS

KELLY OTIENO OPIYO

S202/OL/CTY/26811/2018

A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTERS OF SCIENCE

DEGREE IN SECURITY AND STRATEGIC STUDIES IN THE SCHOOL OF

DIPLOMACY AND PEACE STUDIES OF KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

MARCH, 2021

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 DECLARATION

This project is my original work and has not been presented for the award of degree in

any university.

Signature: …………………… Date: ……………

Kelly Otieno Opiyo

S202/OL/CTY/26811/2018

Department of International Relations, Conflict and Strategic Studies

School of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies

Kenyatta University

Supervisor

I confirm that this Project was carried out under my supervision as the University

appointed supervisor:

Signature: …………………… Date: ……………

Dr. Linnet Hamasi, PhD

Department of International Relations, Conflict and Strategic Studies

School of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies

Kenyatta University

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 DEDICATION

I dedicate this project to my parents Daniel Opiyo and Emily Opiyo whose sacrifices

and determination ensured that I had an education despite the profound challenges. I

also dedicate this work to my brother Dr. Newton Opiyo, sister Irene Opiyo and in

memory of Faith Atieno Opiyo, my wife Beryl Opiyo, and my lovely children Jayden

Daniel and Liam Kelly Jnr. My love for you all can never be quantified. Lastly, in

honor of our fallen heroes, who paid the ultimate price for the love of this great

Nation, I salute you.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This project was shaped at an early stage by my experience as a military police

officer at the Military Police Corps in DOD. The experience gave me an unparalleled

window into the impact of military barracks on the local communities. Over the years

I interacted with hundreds of men and women in uniform whose last breath keeps our

flag flying higher, my respect for your service is deep and profound. Greater love has

no one than this.

This research project has spanned a significant portion of my academic career and

throughout its meandering course; I have accumulated a series of intellectual debts

that I cannot repay. First, my appreciation goes to God for the gift of life. Secondly,

my gratitude goes to the Department of International Relations Conflict and Strategic

Studies at Kenyatta University. Special thanks to my supervisor and mentor Dr.

Linnet Hamasi for providing invaluable guidance throughout this research. I was

extremely lucky to have a supervisor who cared so much about my work. I am

particularly thankful to Dr. Mulu, Dr. Maoka, Dr. Felistus Kinyanjui, Dr. Muia, Mrs.

Stella Njuguna among others, and all Departmental lecturers and staff.

Special thanks goes to all my classmates including Nicholas Aura, among others for

their genuine support throughout this research work. I‟m also indebted to my brother

Dr. Newton Opiyo, Commandant DSC-Major General Martin Ong‟oyi and Kenya Air

Force Commander, Major General F. O. Ogolla whose dynamism, vision, sincerity,

and motivation have deeply inspired me.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

DECLARATION......................................................................................................... ii

DEDICATION............................................................................................................ iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ......................................................................................... iv

TABLE OF CONTENT...............................................................................................v

LIST OF TABLES .......................................................................................................x

LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................... xi

LIST OF PLATES .................................................................................................... xii

LIST OF ACRONYMS ........................................................................................... xiii

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS ....................................................... xiv

ABSTRACT .............................................................................................................. xvi

CHAPTER ONE ..........................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................1

1.1 Background of the study .......................................................................................1

1.2 Statement of the Research Problem ......................................................................4

1.3 General Objective .................................................................................................6

1.3.1 Specific objectives .............................................................................................6

1.4 Research Questions ...............................................................................................6

1.5 Significance of the Study ......................................................................................6

1.6 Scope of the study .................................................................................................7

1.7 Limitations of the study ........................................................................................7

CHAPTER TWO .........................................................................................................8

LITERATURE REVIEW ...........................................................................................8

2.1 Introduction ...........................................................................................................8

2.2 Economic Activities Coming up in the Area as a Result of Kahawa Army

Barracks ......................................................................................................................8

2.2.1 Bars and Club Businesses ..................................................................................8

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 2.2.2 Hotels and Restaurants .......................................................................................9

2.2.3 SACCOs and Retirees‟ Welfare Programs ......................................................10

2.2.4 Cyber and Internet Business ............................................................................12

2.2.5 Mobile Money Agency Outlets ........................................................................13

2.2.6 Small Retail Business ......................................................................................15

2.2.7 Horticulture Farming .......................................................................................16

2.2.8 Housing and Real Estate Businesses................................................................16

2.2.9 Boda Boda and Tuk-tuk business .....................................................................17

2.3 The Impact of Kahawa Barracks on the Economy and Livelihoods of the Locals
...................................................................................................................................18

2.3.1 Military in Health Sector .................................................................................19

2.3.2 Military in welfare ...........................................................................................19

2.3.3 Role in Economic Development ......................................................................21

2.3.4 Disaster Response and Management ...............................................................21

2.3.5 Environment Conservation ..............................................................................22

2.4 The Challenges Brought about by the Presence of Military Barracks in Kahawa
Area. ..........................................................................................................................24

2.4.1 Increased Standard of Living and Criminality .................................................24

2.4.2 Insecurity..........................................................................................................25

2.4.3 Growth Management and Land-Use Issues .....................................................25

2.4.4 Moral Decadence .............................................................................................26

2.4.5 Negative Impact on the Economy ....................................................................26

2.5 Measures in Place to Address the Challenges Brought about by the Military
Barracks in Kahawa ..................................................................................................27

2.6 Theoretical Framework .......................................................................................28

2.7 Conceptual Framework .......................................................................................32

CHAPTER THREE ...................................................................................................34

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METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................34

3.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................34

3.2 Research Design..................................................................................................34

3.3 Study Area ..........................................................................................................35

3.4 Target Population ................................................................................................37

3.5 Sample and Sampling Technique........................................................................37

3.6 Sample Size and Sampling Frame ......................................................................39

3.7 Data Collection Instruments ...............................................................................39

3.8 Data Collection Procedure ..................................................................................40

3.9 Pilot study ...........................................................................................................40

3.10 Validity and Reliability of the Research Instrument.........................................41

3.11 Data Analysis and Presentation ........................................................................41

3.12 Ethical Considerations ......................................................................................41

CHAPTER FOUR ......................................................................................................43

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS ............................................43

4.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................43

4.2 Response Rate .....................................................................................................43

4.3 Demographic Characteristics of Respondents ....................................................44

4.4 Economic Activities coming up in the area because of Kahawa Army Barracks
...................................................................................................................................49

4.5 Influence of the location of Kahawa Barracks on Bars and Club Businesses ....52

4.6 The Impact of Kahawa Barracks on the livelihoods of the locals. .....................59

4.7 Challenges brought about by military barracks in Kahawa ................................61

4.8 Measures in Place to Address Challenges Brought about by Kahawa Barracks in

the study area ............................................................................................................62

CHAPTER FIVE .........................................................................................................64

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS ....................................................................................64

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 5.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................64

5.2 Objective One: Economic activities coming up in the study area because of
Kahawa Army Barracks. ...........................................................................................64

5.3 Objective Two: The impact of Kahawa Barracks on the livelihoods of the locals.
...................................................................................................................................66

5.4 Objective Three: The challenges brought about military barracks in Kahawa ...69

5.5 Objective Four: Measures in Place to Address the Challenges Brought about by
the Military Barracks in Kahawa ..............................................................................70

CHAPTER SIX ..........................................................................................................72

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................72

6.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................72

6.2 Summary of the Findings ....................................................................................72

6.3 Conclusion of the Findings .................................................................................74

6.4 Recommendations ...............................................................................................74

6.4.1 Recommendations One: ...................................................................................74

6.4.2 Recommendation Two: ....................................................................................74

6.4.3 Recommendation Three: ..................................................................................75

6.4.4 Recommendation Four: ....................................................................................75

6.4.5 Recommendation Five: ....................................................................................75

REFERENCES ...........................................................................................................76

APPENDICES ............................................................................................................78

Appendix I: Introduction Letter ................................................................................78

Appendix II: Questionnaire.......................................................................................79

Appendix III: Work Plan ..........................................................................................82

Appendix IV: Maps of the Study Area .....................................................................83

Appendix V: Research Authorization Letter ............................................................84

Appendix VI: Research Approval Letter ..................................................................85

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Appendix VII: Nacosti Permit ..................................................................................86

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 LIST OF TABLES

Table 4.1 Sample Size and Sampling Frame ...............................................................39

Table 4.2 Questionnaire Return Rate ...........................................................................44

Table 4.3 Gender of the respondents ...........................................................................44

Table 4.4: Respondents age distribution ......................................................................45

Table 4.5 Education level of the respondents ..............................................................46

Table 4.6 Occupation of the respondents .....................................................................47

Table 4.7 Household income of the respondents .........................................................48

Table 4.8 Beneficiaries of Military Presence in Kahawa ............................................50

Table 4.9 Influence of Kahawa Barrack on the state of bars and clubs in the area .....53

Table 4.10 Influence of Kahawa barrack on hotels and restaurants in Kahawa area and
its environs ...................................................................................................................54

Table 4.11 SACCOs and Retirees‟ Welfare Programs ................................................55

Table 4.12 Mobile Money Agency Outlets..................................................................56

Table 4.13 Small Retail Business and Kiosks in the area ............................................57

Table 4.14 Horticulture, Housing, and Real Estate .....................................................58

Table 4.15 Social programs by military in Kahawa ....................................................59

Table 4.16 Measures to address civilian-military relations .........................................62

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1 Conceptual framework ...............................................................................33

Figure 4.3: Distribution of Respondents by Gender ....................................................45

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 LIST OF PLATES

Plate. 1 KDF hands special Aids device to children with special needs at Kahawa

Garrison Barracks ........................................................................................................ 20

Plate: 2 Kahawa Garrison service personnel conduct a cleanup exercise during

KDF Day ...................................................................................................................... 23

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 LIST OF ACRONYMS

AMISOM African Mission in Somalia

BDE Brigade
CDF Chief of Defense Forces
CIMIC Civil Military Relations
CSR Corporate Social Responsibility
DHQ Defense Headquarters
EAST COM Eastern command
FGD Focused Group Discussions
GDP Gross Domestic Products.
KA Kenya Army
KAB Kahawa Army Barracks
KAF Kenya Air Force
KAOC Kenya Army Ordnance Corps
KAR Kenya Africa Rifle
KDF Kenya Defense Forces
KN Kenya Navy
LAB Laikipia Air Base
MAB Moi Air Base
MWR Morale, Welfare and Recreation
UN United Nations
USA United States of America
WEST COM Western command

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 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

Barracks: A large building or group of buildings used to house soldiers.

Civilian: A person who is not a member of the military or a police or firefighting

force.

Civil-military relations: Defines the connection between civil society and military

organization or organizations

Economic development. The extension of capacities that contribute to the

advancement of society through the realization of individual, firm and community

potential.

Economic growth. This has been defined as the positive change in the real output of

the country in a particular span of time

Garrison: Military outpost where troops are stationed to protect an area. Usually

contains more than one military unit or bases

Inter-dependency theory: Social theory by Harold Kelley and John Thibaut who

posits that social exchange are associated with interpersonal relationships in terms of

reward and cost.

Livelihood: A set of activities performed to live for a given life span, involving

securing water, food, fodder, medicine, shelter, clothing, and the capacity to acquire

above necessities working either individually or as a group by using endowments for

meeting the requirements of the self and his/her household on a sustainable basis with

dignity.

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Location: Has been defined as a particular place or position in this case Military

Barracks.

Military Intervention: The deliberate act of a nation or a group of nations to

introduce its military forces into the course of an existing controversy.

Military: Refers to well organized armed forces of a country intended for warfare and

Defense of the sovereignty of a state.

Security. The quality or state of being safe and secure from potential harm and

measures taken to be safe or protected

Urban Area: The region surrounding a city mostly nonagricultural

development with a high density of human structures such as houses,

commercial buildings, roads, bridges, and railways

Urban Development: Refers to urbanization with its different dimensions and a

system of residential expansion that creates cities. Residential areas are the primary

focus of urban develop

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 ABSTRACT

Generally, this study focused on determining how the location of military barracks
has influenced the livelihoods of people living around it focusing on Kahawa barracks
in Kenya. The study aims at interrogating whether the location of military
installations has a role and a priority in economic development. In their growth and
development, many military organizations have surpassed their mandated roles and
legally took over the development of certain sectors including economic,
environmental, political, and societal developments in the society. The objective of
the study was to assess the role of the military in socio-economic development in
Kenya with a focus on Kahawa Barracks in Nairobi by assessing the economic
activities coming up in the area, examining the impact of Kahawa barracks on the
economy and livelihoods of the locals, assessing the challenges brought about military
barracks in the area and mitigation [Link] literature review aimed at revealing
the kind of interactions between the military as an institution and the local
communities and how the military has incorporated social corporate responsibility in
their development agenda. The study used interdependency theory and employs a
qualitative research design. A sample size of 60 respondents living within the
barracks and members of the local community outside the barracks was drawn from
the population using interview schedules, FGDs, and observation. Data collected was
assessed and analyzed qualitatively in a narrative format. The conclusion was drawn
based on the findings of the study and the recommendations made. The outcome may
be published for policymakers‟ reference by security organs including military
commanders to promote peace through sustainable Civilian military cooperation. The
study concluded that because of the large number of soldiers at Kahawa barracks,
many bars, eateries, shopping outlets, vegetable shops, barbershops, little eating
houses, carpentry shops, and marketplaces have been grounded in regions close to the
camps to cater to the camp inhabitants. The study further concluded that many serving
service members are opting to stay off the barracks close to the barracks. The study
concludes that the establishment of Kahawa barracks has resulted in both negative and
positive impacts. Some of the positive impacts resulting from Kahawa barracks
include supporting and aiding the local communities during crisis and emergencies,
enjoyment of military facilities and services by locals around, and improving the
general security of the area. The negative impacts included among some conflicts that
arose between Kahawa barracks personnel and local communities, which might cause
grievances and injuries to either party or increased immorality in the area. The study
recommends that the Defense Headquarters to take affirmative steps to mitigate the
problem of encroachment into military land through zoning ordinances which ensure
that development around the barracks is consistent with the military activities;
building codes that address and minimize noise concerns; and real estate noise
disclosure requirements that inform buyers of the conditions that exist because of the
barracks. The study also recommends that there should be rules and procedures on the
access to military barracks to ably reduce the number of influx into the barracks thus
reducing threat, insecurity, and the number of shoppers within the barrack.

xvi
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Globally military barracks have contributed to massive socio-economic development

in many sectors within the country promoting the GDP of many world economies.

According to Dallemagne, (1990), this was evident during the base shutdown in

California in the USA in 1991, which was due to USA strategic plans and

restructuring of the base establishment. This affected the social and economic

development of the California communities according to Domhoff, (2006).

According to recent research which was conducted among the locals residing around

George Air Force Base in San Bernardino which had operated for many years and was

ultimately closed in December 1992, Fort Ord in Monterey closed in Sept 1994, and

Castle Air Force Base located in Merced Province and was slated for closure in 1995

had almost 70% of its uniformed personnel by October 1994.

There have been massive base shutdowns in California in the last few years according

to Taylor and Nigel, (1998). In the latest rounds of base closures that began in 1989,

163 bases nationwide with 119,000 military and civilian personnel have been closed.

According to Black Jeremy (1991) through 1994, California accounted for a

disproportionate share of those totals, losing 21 bases and 82,000 military and civilian

personnel as maintained by David B Ralston, (1966). California's recent experience

stands in sharp contrast to the post-Vietnam closures when it lost only 7 of the 100

bases closed in the US at the time. According to Douet and James (1997), local

authorities have underlined the dire economic consequences for the state and affected

1
communities, including rising unemployment and declining housing prices, retail

sales, population, and school enrollment following the closures. Belfast (1956)

observes that when a military facility closes, the effects ripple throughout the

surrounding community both socially and economically. Often social networks are

broken as families lose their neighbors, businesses lose their customers and workers

lose their jobs. In a thriving city, a closure can bring the local economy to a standstill

especially in rural or suburban areas where a closure translates into years of struggle,

as municipal planners strain to fill the empty spaces that the military leaves behind.

Trevor (2002) observes that, In Africa, the country that hosts the largest permanent

military base in Djibouti in the horn of Africa, with about 4,000 personnel stationed at

camp Lemonnier majority of these personnel fir part of the USA joint task force. This

military base has for a long time been a source of livelihood for thousands of

Djiboutian and nationals of neighboring countries, promoting the general socio-

economic development of the country. Boulder (1995) maintains that due to its

existence, the condition of roads and other infrastructural facilities has tremendously

improved.

Road networks, rail lines, and airfields have been constructed in and around the base

area. The military bases have also improved the country tax revenues and housing

markets positively affecting the communities, population‟s school enrolment, and

employment. The locals run a variety of businesses around the base in turn employing

many more persons according to Robert Varman (1996). The thriving of business

activities in the area preys on the large population of the military personnel in the base

along with their families. Socially, there have been cultural enrichment due to the

2
different origins of the base occupants. This base houses individuals from different

nationalities, among them Chinese, Americans, and Africans from far and near.

In Kenya, many military barracks and bases have also been instrumental in promoting

socio-economic development in various counties and nationally. In the last two

decades, there has been a marked increase in the involvement of Lanet military

barracks in development activities in the region. The military personnel in the camp

have of late been involved in duties that have traditionally been outside the military

sphere. This includes the construction of roads, building of schools, hospitals,

planting trees as part of military environmental conservation programs, and disaster

response activities according to McDonald (2005).

Rothchild (1995) maintains that this trend has been particularly important in the

country where the need for social development is most pressing. He further notes that

the role of the military in urban socio-economic development is often of interest,

particularly in recent years as military barracks are increasingly being used to achieve

socio-economic, political, and strategic needs this is further supported by the writings

of Casey and Lowe (2003). Despite this known significance, not much academic

research has been done to analyses how the location of military bases in Kenya could

be used in achieving social and economic development outs the war-related duties

they are legally mandated with maintains McClymont (1996). It is upon this

background that this study intends to exploring the roles that Kahawa Barracks in

Nairobi County has played in the socio-economic development of the areas around it.

3
1.2 Statement of the Research Problem

Military installations can and have benefited the local societies, particularly specific

vacancies that require the equivalent of a corporate headquarters, with highly paid

jobs like scientists, engineers, high-level managers, and professionals. The location

of institutions belonging to disciplined forces in Kenya in an area is often associated

with an increase in cases of immorality. Cases of drunkenness, sexual promiscuity,

and involvement of schoolgirls with members of disciplined forces and their families

are often associated with the presence of the military institution in the area.

This case has been supported by the studies that have shown that Kenya Police and

military are often among the institutions with high numbers of HIV infected persons.

However, in the recent past, these locales see more of a boost than ones with bases

that only process does and train troops. However, local communities may stand to

benefit in the long term, an influx may ultimately result in short term pain in terms of

crowded school, and congested roads and medical facilities within the area. Moreover,

the allure of a new military installation often attracts new people seeking more

security or to take advantage of the new opportunities. This often will crowd an area‟s

facilities both social and economic.

Thus, the economic growth within the military barracks can translate into growth

outside the military gates as well. This growth may translate into the expansion of

jobs in the fields of retails, healthcare, and agriculture and even hospitality. Military

institutions are further seen to foster economic growth in the hotel and restaurant jobs,

but this is more prominent in the areas around the military institutions where there

already exist larger professional positions in terms of research development and

engineering. The majority of military population growth include those on active

4
service and a large population of civilian staff working and living within and outside

the bases. This includes constructors, suppliers, casual workers, and thousands of

Army defendants. Randy Parker (1976) reiterates that any linkage of fortune to

military growth is the same as the same fortune linked to military shrinkage.

According to him, this is somehow a risky strategy as it involves putting all the eggs

in one basket.

The presence of military facilities in a locale therefore raises the possibilities of new

opportunities arising in various sectors including housing, eateries, etc. However,

though this aspect of the importance of such facilities has globally been

acknowledged, no research has been done to bring out the relationship between the

location of a military institution in a given location and its resultant impact on the

civilians of such an area. The majority of the existing literature has gaps as they focus

on military bases in the US and western countries. This study focuses on this by

looking at the socio-economic importance of Kahawa Barracks to the residents of the

surrounding areas.

To fully address the issue, the study hopes to look into various questions particularly

the economic activities that have come up since the location of the base in the area;

assess the impact of the barracks to the livelihoods of the inhabitants in the

surrounding areas, and finally examine the perceptions of the local inhabitants on the

importance and challenges that arise out of having the military barracks in their

backyard. The study also looked at structures that have been put in place to address

challenges that have been brought about by the presence of the barracks in the study

area.

5
1.3 General Objective

To assess the role of the military in socio-economic development in Kenya with a

focus on Kahawa Barracks in Nairobi.

1.3.1 Specific objectives

i. Assess economic activities coming up in the area as a result of Kahawa

Army Barracks.

ii. Examine the impact of Kahawa barracks on the livelihoods of the locals.

iii. To assess the challenges brought about by military barracks in the area.

iv. To explore measures put in place to address the challenges brought

about by the military barracks in Kahawa.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What are the economic activities that have sprouted up from the civilian-

military interactions in the area?

ii. What is the impact of Kahawa barracks on the economy of the area?

iii. Are there challenges brought about by the presence of Kahawa military

barracks in the area?

iv. Which measures have been put in place to address challenges brought

about by the presence of Kahawa barracks?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The location of military facilities can be seen as a form of geographically targeted

economic development or strategic importance according to Taylor and Nigel (1998).

The latter can be said to have been the motivation for the establishment of Kahawa

barracks due to its placement in the Centre of Kenya. However, with time, the role of

6
the barracks has gone beyond the provision of military and functions inclusion of non-

military duties like national urban socio-economic development.

The findings of the research filled the existing gaps in the available literature on

military-civilian relations. Other than this, the findings of the study will be relevant in

policymaking in matters related to civilian-military relationships and the role of

military barracks in local populations.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study is on the influence of Kahawa barracks on the livelihoods of the population

within the Kahawa region. The areas of interest are the economic roles of the military

barracks to the local population. Although Nairobi County has many Military

barracks, this study focused on Kahawa barracks. The study was therefore based in

Kahawa locality including surrounding schools, business enterprises. The study

period ranges from 1991 to 2008. 1991 is the period in which the Kenya Army

officially adopted the CSR policy. 2008 marked the spread of PEV, which happened

in late December 2007 following a disputed general election, witnessing the

involvement of the military personnel in quelling the conflicts.

1.7 Limitations of the study

In conducting the research, several challenges were experienced. The military nature

of the research scared some respondents bearing in mind some of them are foreigners.

On the sensitivity of the study, the researcher assured the respondents that the study is

purely academic hence no fear of victimization.

7
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

This chapter reviewed the literature on economic activities coming up in the area

because of Kahawa Army Barracks, the impact of Kahawa barracks on the economy

and livelihoods of the locals, the challenges brought about by the military barracks in

the area, and measures put in place to address such challenges.

2.2 Economic Activities Coming up in the Area as a Result of Kahawa Army

Barracks

Since the construction of Kahawa Barracks in the area, various economic activities

have been witnessed. Among these are:

2.2.1 Bars and Club Businesses

Globally there have been many bars and clubs sprouting up near military barracks for

many reasons. In the USA, for example, many Most of these businesses target

military personnel and mostly those who live off the base. The reasons for the

growing number of clubs and bars near military establishment can be traced back to

the perception of security. According to Kingsdale (1973), many businessmen and

revealers in many developing countries in Africa believe that near the military

barracks there is security due to continuous military sentry, patrol, and presence of

armed security guards around the installation which serve to deter many petty and

serious thefts and robberies. Though this might not be the case in Kenya as many of

these security personnel are restricted to their military boundary, it services to deter

many kinds of crimes within the area thus giving many entrepreneurs assurance and

8
an aura of stability necessary for carrying out business. This literature review was

relevant in this study as it helped in the understanding of the influence of security

provided by military installations to the thriving of business in Kahawa.

2.2.2 Hotels and Restaurants

Globally Douet (1997) cites military barracks to be a disciplined institution whereby

serving service members are housed and provisionally restricted with a view of

extricating them from other civilian populations to instill and enforce discipline and

esprit de corps among the ranks and files. A closer look at Britain reveals that the

majority of military barracks are fully equipped with several social amenities

including refectories, bars, and hypermarkets.

The same trend is being witnessed regionally for example in South Sudan where

many hotels and restaurants are almost embedded with the military establishment.

Black (1991) argues in this case, and in many military establishments, many service

members still opt to eat from outside the barracks mostly in a bit to change diet,

environment, and mostly since many military installations close quite early and many

service members move outside to look for food. This literature was though relevant

in helping situate the role of military installation on growth of hotel industry in

Kahawa area, lacked direct applicability bearing in mind the study focused on hotel

and other facilities outside military institutions. The study thus, focused on how the

Kenyan situation manifested itself having proven to be different from the US and

South Sudanese cases.

In the Kahawa region, there has been a high trend of many serving service members

flocking nearby centers and surrounding areas to look for food for themselves and for

9
their visitors. Thus, there has seen a high number of businesses opening up hotels and

eateries around military barracks to meet the demands for the demand. This has

improved the economic status of the surrounding centers.

Singer (2003) argues that unlike the common perception, military professionalism is

not just about the jobs and payroll. May military establishments are inextricably

woven into the social fabric of their host communities. Many service members

residing within the local neighborhood with their families take part, volunteer in many

charitable and civic activities by attending the local churches, barazas, and even marry

from the sounding communities thus cementing their relationship with the

communities. Regionally in countries like Nigeria, many bases and their nearby towns

have lived side by side and thus share a common history and identity on different

levels for many years. This study sought to assess how this scenario unveiled in

Kenya and how this has improved the economic condition of the locals.

2.2.3 SACCOs and Retirees’ Welfare Programs

Locally, many organizations have been registered with many saving and credit

cooperatives (SACCOs) which generally consist of like-minded people. SACCOs are

well known worldwide as programs that promote the welfare of the people within the

society. This is because they can provide concrete and complete services to meet the

need of society at large. Mitttelstsdt (2006) posits that a comprehensive military

welfare program has four main important pillars including community support,

personal support and information support.

Regionally in Africa, SACCOs and welfare programs are fast-growing in the South

Africa military where it is viewed as part of a larger project by the military to

10
transform local societies to achieve peace and social justice and overcome the social

divisions of the past. In Kenya, SACCOs, are usually registered under the ministry of

cooperative development and marketing in Kenya and are authorized to accrue

deposits and lend its members. Kahawa barracks being one of the largest logistics

barracks in Kenya has many serving and retired service members who registered and

form part of many SACCOs within the country. Due to the high number of personnel,

there have been many SACCOs around Kahawa barracks, which serve many serving,

and retired military personnel who also happen to live within and around the areas.

Some of these SACCOs with branches within Kahawa area include Harambee Sacco,

Muhasibu Sacco, Stima Sacco, Mwalimu Sacco, Imarika SACCO, and Metropolitan

Sacco among other retiree SACCOs.

These SACCOs also employ retired and even active service members as officials.

This has seen the many retired service personnel getting employment as members and

officials in these SACCOs. Just like other SACCOs these retires and welfare

programs are also administered by the SACCO rules, which state the purposes,

affiliation, share capital, organization structure, management, and loaning principles.

According to Prusty (2016) a professional management team, which reports to a

committee elected by members annually, manages military SACCOS or according to

the by-laws of the SACCO, though these military SACCOs have restricted

membership to industry or sector of work. Besides, serve to help active and serving

service members to invest and save for their future. Lindvert (2018) adds that

investments are maximized because SACCOs are deposit-taking in nature and are an

ideal way to channel savings.

11
He adds that many retiree SACCO aggregates the savings and lends them out or

invests in authorized instruments such as shares, treasury bills, and bonds, and some

cases property as authorized by the by-laws. Returns from SACCO savings for a

member are usually high and sometimes better than what banks offer. The reviewed

literature though fundamental to the study, did not bring out how the presence of

SACCOs in Kahawa has influenced economic growth in the area. The study sought to

assess this.

2.2.4 Cyber and Internet Business

Globally the presence of military camps sparks the growth of cyber business. For

instance, in Japan whereby systems like Web security, endpoint security, content

security application security, wireless security, and cloud security business are

coming up every day because of military presence and innovation. Regionally, this

has been witnessed in 323 Artillery brigade army barracks and military bases located

in Akure Ondo state in Nigeria thus making it an important component of the

Nigerian economy as online activities near the military barracks have in the recent

past replaced virtually every form of transaction.

Locally, the presence of Kahawa barracks has also sparked the sprouting of many

cyber café businesses around the area. Despite cheaper computers and wireless

internet modems within the military barracks, a sizeable number of customers most of

who are families and service members themselves are still trooping into cyber cafes

within Kahawa areas to do more than just checking emails and surfing the internet.

This is because of many factors but mostly official use policy and the threat of cyber-

criminal to military installations and personnel many service personnel and their

12
families prefer to use outside cafes to do their work as they obey official work policy,

which applies to all officers within the barracks.

According to Kuzabiashara (2016), many analysts have sounded the death knell for

small internet kiosks within Wendani area, but statistics from the ground show (to the

contrary) that the daring ones are growing not shrinking due to the high population of

service members, their families coupled with the growing number of students

operating with the areas. The major service that is offered within this area that

generates income include; Video game outlets, instant passport photos, graphic and

designs services, snacks and soft drinks enterprises, events memorial and promotional

materials, computer training and colleges, and IT Centre for the growing number of

populations majority who are students within the area. Kuzabiashara‟s literature was

significantly focused on the study area, eliciting how cyber café businesses are

growing in Kahawa. However, the literature fell short of explaining how the growth in

cyber café business translates to economic growth in the study area.

2.2.5 Mobile Money Agency Outlets

Globally, mobile money agency outlets business has been witnessed within and

around military barracks, in the USA a case in point is the Maxwell Air Force Base

and Gunter Annex Located in Montgomery, Alabama, which has the highest influx of

money transfer agencies and outlets due to the training nature of the base. Regionally,

the presence of military barracks in Djibouti especially Camp Lemonnier has sparked

many money outlet agencies due to its strategic proximity to Ambouli international

airport and international links. A lot more mobile business agencies and online money

transfer are opening up around the barracks and especially near the airport

13
Sub-Sahara Africa has experienced a high rate of growth due to the adoption of global

money including Kenya. Many people to Pay Bills, Send and Receive Money Online

with PayPal within a very short time have utilized global money transfer. It is a

money Mobile Money Service transfer for people with money in the ATM card, for

example, Visa, Masters, Union, and Discover, etc., PayPal, Mobile Money, EVC and

M-PESA customers, and thus enable movement of funds between accounts from city

to city, country to country and continent to continent. Within the Kahawa general

area, the most common business services include M-Pesa, Airtel Money, Equity,

KCB, and Cooperative Bank agencies, which have come in handy and target the

larger population of military population and their families who live around the area.

Also, many small businesses operating global money mobile transfer have sprouted

around the areas due to the nature of military duties. The presence of the military

barracks has sparked a high number of small and medium businesses operating in

mobile money. According to Feig, (2007), this is due to the nature of military work

which leaves many service members with financial needs covering almost all items

including school fees, utility bills, levies and duties and global transfers especially

between friend and families. As such, it promotes the easy means of paying bills,

review of the recent transactions and payment of bills, and even block ATM card if

need be. The features of this small business appealing to the military community

include the fact that they are cheap, convenient, safe and easily accessible as many

service personnel doesn‟t have enough time to visit their banks mostly during their

training and quick deployment reasons. The literature highlight factors for preference

of mobile money services areas close to military facilities, however, it fails to

14
analyses how growth of mobile money facilities translate to an area‟s economic

growth. This study looked at that using the case study of Kahawa barracks.

2.2.6 Small Retail Business

Many service members live within the barracks with their families - a big number

being civilians who work either within the barracks or outside. This population forms

a bigger percentage of customers who buy merchandises some of which are not

available within the barracks from the surrounding areas. Equally, a bigger population

of military personnel living around the barracks with their families also forms a larger

consumer for and customers for the small retail business around the area

There has been a growing trend of much small retail business encroaching near

military barrack in the UK and a case in point is the Price Barracks British Army

Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) located in Belize district which being a

training has recorded a 30% increase in small retail business round the bases in the

last two years. This has been attributed to the government policy of reducing

government-owned business operations and within the bases. Regionally, the presence

of military barracks in Lesotho has sparked many retail traders in the surrounding

barracks due to the perception that much military personnel have a lot of money and

majorly to the army‟s return to the barracks after the coups bid in August 2014.

According to Delbridge (2019), a large population demand for small retail

merchandise always spark the growth of much small retail business operating within

an area thus making Wendani, Githurai, Kahawa Sukari almost a 24-hour economy

estate. Though this often comes with a lot of security concerns around the area, many

have come with a lot of insecurity.

15
2.2.7 Horticulture Farming

According to Arteca, (2015), the quality of agribusiness in Kenya cuts across the

commercial vegetable farming business to the commodity agriculture farming of

livestock which relies on the professionalism of farmers and their aggregate

agricultural performance. In Kenya, a larger percentage of agribusiness farming is on

a large-scale industry regardless of this many small and private farming is gaining

more popularity and constantly developing especially in areas where there is a ready

market.

The military installation at Kahawa has sparked agribusinesses around the area due to

the high demand for fresh farm products, which are required to feed many service

personnel within the barracks throughout the year. Most locals around the areas with

large farms in Juja and Githurai, Kahawa Wendani and Kahawa Sukari prefer this

kind of economic activity as they easily earn tenders to supply fresh farm produce to

the barracks, and several training vocational and institutes of higher learning like

Kenyatta University (David 2012). Many locals around the area have also resorted to

agribusiness due to proximity and the high demands of fresh farm proudest from the

military barracks and several training and educational institutions around the areas.

The incidences of small retail business and agribusiness are rife in Kahawa as

elsewhere as has been brought out by the reviewed literature. This study went further

than establishing this, by identifying has this translates to economic growth and

improvement in living standards in the area.

2.2.8 Housing and Real Estate Businesses

Living in barracks is a great pleasure and it is given that is earned by members of the

armed forces and is to be enjoyed by themselves and their families. Conversely, the

16
privileged to enjoy such can be relinquished if the member of the armed forces

violates certain rules and regulations. Some scholars support staying in military

barracks while other scholars seem not to support the idea for example Amadeo

(2019) posits that it is of great privilege to stay within the barracks as it is more

convenient, more secure and presents an opportunity to interact with other soldiers

both junior and senior. However, there exist strictly government policies for breaking

the set housing and occupancy rules and regulations including heavy penalties.

This reason has seen many serving service members opting to stay off the barracks.

Chen (2019) adds that this has resulted in higher demand for housing within the

surrounding areas. Equally, many of the service members‟ facilities also look for

houses near the barracks due to proximity to their friends and families and slow due to

the perceived security of the areas.

This has seen many buildings and hostels coming up around the area and due to high

demand, rent has sour higher. Many service members coming back from

peacekeeping operations also have tendencies to invest in these areas due to the high

influx of students and service members staying around the areas. This has resulted in

higher prices of lands and houses within the areas thus affecting the economy of this

area. Has this scenario been witnessed in Kahawa? How does it affect the economy of

the area? These questions were not covered in the reviewed literature and formed part

of the motivation for further studies.

2.2.9 Boda Boda and Tuk-tuk business

Boda Bodas and Tuk-tuk are fast becoming a popular alternative for ferrying

passengers and goods for small businesses in Nairobi and other parts of the country

17
due to their convenience. The high population of students and residents around

Kenyatta University has seen the thriving of Boda and Tuk-tuk transport business

within the area as they remain the preferred means of transport due to their

availability, cost, and maneuverability making them more preferred compared to

Matatu's and Rail transport. This trend has seen these businesses defying the tough

economic times experienced by many residents and students within the area.

The demand and use of this means of transport have increased since 2010. In the

recent past, motorcycle taxis have become a significant employment avenue for many

young people living within the urban and rural areas surrounding this region. This has

seen the employment of over 258,900 people within the region since Dec 2008

(KNBS, 2018). The nature and extend of bodaboda usage in Kahawa remain a grey

area in literature. The studied examined how this idea has been domesticated in the

area and how beneficial it has been to those involved.

2.3 The Impact of Kahawa Barracks on the Economy and Livelihoods of the

Locals

The Kenya Defense Forces draw its authority to intervene in national disasters from

Section 3(2) of the KDF Act Cap 199. The Act spells out the mandate of the military

in the defense of Kenya's sovereignty and supports civil authority in the maintenance

of law and order, and other duties as may be assigned. Hornsby, (2012) adds that

Kenya Defense Forces recognizes other Acts of Parliament that empower Government

agencies to regulate the operations and happenings of the civic community and private

sector in the course of their activities and particular disaster management issues. This

Act thus draws the line between what the military can get involved in and what it

can‟t. However, how such interventions can benefit a society socio-economically has

18
been absent in most literature on the topic, thereby necessitating further review, which

is what this study focused on.

2.3.1 Military in Health Sector

KDF performs several duties in the community apart from supporting several

communities and agencies like community schools, hospitals, and orphanages. Within

Kahawa. This is aimed at helping children by providing them with a stable learning

environment according to Ayee (1994). As such, KDF visits some of the nearby

schools to offer guidance and motivational talks about issues such as education,

sexually transmitted diseases, and the impact of engaging in crime. In the case of

hospitals, KDF often helps children in emergencies by allowing them to access in-

camp medical facilities and medication before being moved to civilian facilities

according to Decalo (1973). Orphans and disabled or street children are, however,

allowed in several circumstances to have full treatment in barracks facilities.

Besides, the military has put in place measures to counter hazards, like natural

cataclysms, health issues especially in dealing with the outbreak of communicable

diseases like cholera. Kahawa Barracks supports various medical organizations and

nonprofit organizations involved in the provision of free medical service to patients

and families navigating serious health challenges like epilepsy, malnutrition, cholera

HIV and AID centers in Wendani and Githurai areas.

2.3.2 Military in welfare

In the military, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) are viewed as programs and

networks of supports aimed at supporting many KDF personnel both active and

retired, and their families. War is becoming expensive every day in the world causing

19
both bodily harms, psychological and mental PSTD issues to both the combatants and

the non-combatants. According to Plümper and Thomas (2016), this has called for

comprehensive welfare programs for the KDF personnel in terms of effective welfare

programs for those affected and effected by war and service-connected disability

programs for, current and retired DOD civilian employees, and other eligible

participants. This linkage with civil society is helpful especially to KDF members

leaving the force. Amir (2016) adds that through KDF‟s partnership with DEFOKA,

DEFMIS, the organization has been able to foster the change from military life to

civilian life thus making it easier for many service members who retire from the

service honorable to be effortlessly integrated back into the society. Do military

welfare programs have a pill over effect on the non-military persons around barracks?

Could it impact livelihoods? These questions were sought vis-a-viz the Kahawa

military barrack.

Plate. 1 KDF hands special Aids device to children with special needs at

Kahawa Garrison Barracks

Source: [Link]

20
2.3.3 Role in Economic Development

KDF has periodically been appropriated in developmental projects around the

country. The military as an institution has the capability and capacity to takes part in

several economic developments and poverty reduction and eradication through such

initiatives as the building of roads, water reservoirs for irrigation, and provision of

education, employment, and medical assistances among other contributions according

to UNDP, Human Development Report (1993). The ability of the Kenya Defense

forces can be used to address the poverty situation and promote sustainable economic

development for instance the Kenya army engineering brigade who can accomplish

horizontal construction including the building of roads, bridges, and dams. The

current personnel and equipment state allows the construction of only 15.5 km of

tarmac road per year.

Though the literature vividly expounds on military relevance in development, it falls

short of specificity. This study specified its locality to Kahawa area of Nairobi, and

assessed how military presence has spurred development in the area.

2.3.4 Disaster Response and Management

Since the turn of the last decade of the 20th century, KDF has been involved in many

cases relating to disaster management. Because of the KDF‟s robust strong

connections and interaction across a wide spectrum and having stronger support and

connection with the local communities in terms of ground organizations, they have

the ability and robustness to promptly respond with adequate resources and equipment

to help reestablish stabilize and reconstitute the lives of the community after any

catastrophe such as floods, draughts collapse buildings, accidents including air crash

and terror attacks according to Decalo (1973). This was witnessed in the 1998 twin

21
bombing of the American Embassy in Nairobi‟s Central Business Districts, the

bombing of Israel Hotels at the coast, the collapse of buildings in Githurai Estate,

floods in Mt. Elgon among other casualty areas. Each year they donate funds and

material in support of the people stricken with natural catastrophes and areas like

Boni, Mt. Elgon, Mpeketoni, Solai, and Northeastern countries.

Disasters like the collapse of buildings in Githurai have seen the implementation of a

better Emergency Response system by both the county officials and the Military

within the area. This includes April 2, 2015, and March 09, 2016 collapse of a Four-

storey building within Roysambu that saw the implementation of many laws and

policies governing building and construction within the areas thus benefiting the

residents from such disasters in the future.

2.3.5 Environment Conservation

Environmental concerns are a greater part of the military‟s CRS. This is because of

the effects of military installations on the environment. According to Tesco (2013),

the aspect of training, testing armory, and the net effects of confining a large group of

military individuals and their families within a restricted environment often affect

negatively the environment. As a result, the KDF has taken it upon themselves to

protect the environment, not only where the bases are located, but also in other areas

that represent greater national interests like water catchment areas, forests among

others.

According to Nielsen (2015), KDF has made progressive efforts to conserve natural

resources accordingly, in many areas KDF makes efforts to conserve the natural

resources around which many civilians live and work. Being the careful stewards they

22
have endeavored to put up measures for the development manufacturing and delivery

of products that work to reduce the overall environmental impacts. Environmental

involvement by the military is a matter of policy. However, the focus has mostly been

in areas outside the city particularly in ASAL areas. This study set forth to establish if

there has been a chance of direction to include environmental conservation in city

suburbs like Kahawa.

Plate: 2 Kahawa Garrison service personnel conduct a cleanup exercise

during KDF Day

Source: [Link]

23
2.4 The Challenges Brought about by the Presence of Military Barracks in

Kahawa Area.

Despite the significance of the presence of Kahawa barracks in the study area, various

challenges have been brought about by the increased interaction between members of

the civilian and that of military fraternity in the area. They include:

2.4.1 Increased Standard of Living and Criminality

A standard of living is equivalent to the total sum and value of material goods and

services within the reach of a given population. It incorporates the total wealth

material goods comfort and all necessities available within a given social-economic

class and takes into consideration the income life expectancy, economic opportunities,

and the gross domestic product (GDP). According to Riley (2004) standard of living

directly affects the quality of life thus directly relies upon factors like political

stability, religious freedom, political freedom, quality of environmental conditions

climate, and safety, which are quite visible around Kahawa region. The living

standards around many military barracks are high. This can be attributed to the high

demands of houses around the area basing on the perception that there is optimum

security around military barracks due to the presence of armed military personnel.

This has subsequently drawn a larger population near the military installation thus

making a demand for many commodities including land, housing, and merchandise

very high. Thus, these commodities and services have become unaffordable to the

majority of the residents with middle to low income. Those who cannot afford things

like house rent have resorted to crime.

24
2.4.2 Insecurity

There have been many assumptions that the areas surrounding many military barracks

are safe and very secure thus attracting a larger population to live close to the military

installation. This has not always been the case. A study by Aronson Samuel (2010)

shows that many military barracks especially in developing countries are very

insecure. A case in point is the increasing number of burglaries and mugging around

the military barracks in Kenya. This has been because many criminals take advantage

of the fact that civil police never patrol many military installations and surrounding

areas on the assumption that they are safe. This has resulted in much military

personnel and their families being robbed and mugged near military barracks given

that they become vulnerable because they do not carry a weapon outside the camps.

2.4.3 Growth Management and Land-Use Issues

The effects of impingement into military space by the surrounding communities have

negatively impacted the capacity of the barracks to deliver their mission and mandate.

The encroachment takes the form of uncontrolled sprouting of civilian developments

in areas adjacent to the barracks or claims part of the barracks land as their own. In

Kenya, military barracks has faced many land legal battles in an attempt to wade off

many private developers and communities who scramble to grab military land for

their own selfish needs. This has been witnessed in many military barracks including

Langata, MAB, Gilgil barracks, and Kahawa barracks around the railway station just

to mention a few according to Donovan (2010) of Global Security Watch: 2010. This

can be attributed to the fact that many areas around the barracks are considered prime

due to faster and stable economic growth.

25
2.4.4 Moral Decadence

The location of institutions belonging to disciplined forces in Kenya in an area is

often associated with an increase in cases of immorality. Cases of fights, assaults, and

abuse are often on the note in such circumstances. This case has been supported by

the studies that have shown that Kenya Police and military often are among the

institutions with high numbers of HIV infected persons. In Kahawa area, cases of

drunkenness, sexual promiscuity have been noted to be on the rise due to the many

clubs and lodging cropping up around the area.

According to Glen (2001), most of those affected may not be military personnel but

many civilians‟ populations are drawn close to the areas due to thriving businesses

and civilians in the area who believe that the military personnel has money. The camp

environment is also enticing to the local girls, something that makes it easy to be

victims of the‟ enticement. Military police come in handy to handle all cases of

indiscipline in KDF and thus help commanders ensure and maintain order and

discipline across the ranks.

2.4.5 Negative Impact on the Economy

Many locals around Kahawa barracks would prefer to buy household items from the

military supermarkets due to their reduced prices. Most military canteens sell items

and households at reduced prices due to tax-free and this is affecting other businesses

around the base and subsequently the economic growth of the general area. Meilink

(1982) of the Institute for Development Studies, observes that many locals‟ residents

will never hesitate to access the base and shop at the Defense Forces Canteen

Organization (DEFCO) shops whenever such opportunities arise due to proximity,

variety, reduced prices, and high-quality products sold at the base canteen, as a result,

26
many local shops and supermarket suffer from low sales thus affecting many local

businesses around the area.

These challenges are more pronounced in instances where the regulation of military

interaction with civilian is poor. The literature confirms prevailing belief that human

interaction often breeds challenges. However, how such challenges affect the general

socio-economic aspects of development in Kenya and the study area in particular is

missing from the discussed literature. This study focused on this, establishing how

these challenges have been overcome in order to realize development in the area.

2.5 Measures in Place to Address the Challenges Brought about by the Military

Barracks in Kahawa

Though the problem of encroachment into military land is becoming a perennial

problem, Kahawa barracks through DHQ have taken affirmative steps to mitigate

encroachment through zoning ordinances which ensure that development around the

barracks is consistent with the military activities; building codes that address and

minimize noise concerns; and real estate noise disclosure requirements that inform

buyers of the conditions that exist because of the barracks.

All military installations and barracks maintain all-round security patrols and sentries

to ensure the safety and security of the installation and its personnel. Base guard

sentries are always stationed at various locations around the establishments for

example at gates to military bases, along a fence, around the hanger, or aboard a ship.

The barracks also maintain a watchtower in all barracks to detect and deter criminal

activities including terrorists. According to Meilink, Henk (1982) a security watch

stander is responsible for knowing and carrying out the provisions of the emergency.

27
This has waded off many attempted criminal activities including terrorist attacks on

many military barracks in Kenya. Strict rules on access to military barracks has also

been able to reduce the number of influx into the barracks thus reducing threat,

insecurity, and the number of shoppers within the barracks. This has made it almost

impossible for many local shoppers to access the barracks thus leaving them with no

option but to purchase a bigger portion of their merchandise from the local markets

and shops outside thus promoting the local economy and businesses.

2.6 Theoretical Framework

Interdependence Theory guided this research. The theory‟s proponents include Harold

Kelley and John Thibaut who talk about social exchange associated with interpersonal

relationships in terms of reward and cost. According to them, there is always a social

exchange in society showing rewards and cost associated with any kind of

interpersonal relationships collaborated with peoples‟ expectations of them.

According to the theorists, closeness is enhanced among people living near each other

through communication. Each association and interaction has its rewards and costs

and many people tend to exploit the rewards while minimizing the cost.

Kelley and Thibaut (1978) focus their study on reward and return and argue that an

ideal relationship is usually characterized by high levels of rewards compared to low

levels of costs. According to them, rewards are viewed as exchanged resources that

are gratifying and pleasurable while costs are exchanged resources that result in a loss

or punishment.

According to them, there are different kinds of rewards and costs, among them,

emotional, social, instrumental, and opportunity. According to Waddock and Graves

28
(1997), human life is fundamentally social. Much of it unfolds in the context of

dyadic or group interactions. Many human characters have their roots in interpersonal

experiences and involvements and the source of many powerful norms can be pointed

out in the interdependent situations for which those norms are adaptations. One

essential feature of social experience is the interdependence of interacting people.

According to interdependence theory, emotional rewards represents positive feelings

while costs represent negative feelings experienced in a relationship and are quite

relevant to close relationship while some pertinent emotional rewards and costs are

the positive and negative feelings experienced in a relationship. These types of

rewards and costs are especially pertinent to close relationships while social rewards

and costs are those related to a person's social appearance and the ability to interact in

social environments according to Kwaku, (2008). Social rewards deal with the

positive aspect of a person's social appearance and the enjoyable social situations in

which one must engage. On the other hand, social costs are those that relate to the

negative aspect of a person's social appearance and the uninteresting social situations

to which a person must attend.

Interdependence theory, according to Kelley and Thibaut (1978) has several primary

features including the principle of structure (the situation); the principle of

transformation, or what people make of the situation; the principle of interaction,

being determined by the interacting people and (objective features) of the situation;

and the principle of adaptation, suggesting that repeated social interaction experiences

yield adaptations that are reflected in relatively stable orientations to adopt particular

transformations in similar situations.

29
Kelley and Thibout (1978) focus their study on Instrumental rewards and costs, which

deal with activities and/or tasks in a relationship. Instrumental rewards are those that

are obtained when a person's partner is proficient in handling tasks. According to

Waddock and Graves (1997), Instrumental costs occur when a person's relationship

partner causes unnecessary work or the partner impedes the other's progress in a task.

According to him, opportunity rewards and costs are associated with the opportunities

that arise in relationships. Opportunity rewards are those gains that a person can

receive in their relationship, which they would not be able to receive on their own.

Opportunity costs occur when a person must give up something that they normally

would not for the sake of the relationship as maintained by Keller, (1988). According

to this theory, with every relationship, there is an outcome.

These outcomes are determined by comparing the number of rewards present in a

relationship versus the number of costs. According to interdependence theory, people

mentally account for rewards and costs so they can evaluate the outcome of their

relationship as either positive or negative. The outcome is determined to be positive

when the rewards outweigh the costs in a relationship. Conversely, the outcome is

negative when the costs outweigh the rewards.

This theory describes the structural properties that characterize interactions and the

implications of such a structure for human psychology. It analyses interdependence

structures identifying crucial properties of interaction and relationship as well as the

interdependence process explaining how structures influence motivational behavior.

This theory identifies abstract elements such as dependence.

According to Johnson and Rusbult, (1964) interdependence occurs in situations where

the outcome of one person is affected by other people's actions. He points out that

30
there exist two types of interdependence; that is the proactive interdependence and

negative interdependence. While the positive interdependence describes a situation

whereby the actions of individuals encourage the accomplishments of a joint objective

or aim whiles the negative interdependencies when the actions of an individual hinder

the achievement of each other's goals or aims. Subsequently, in line with the four

kinds of rewards and cost, the theory views its variance from both the social

interdependence and economic perspective interdependence as further reiterated by

Keinan and Yoram (2007). All the theorists have one basic foundation argument that

mutual dependence is a necessary reality in life.

Basing on the above arguments, it is evident that the interdependence theory is

valuable and helps in understanding the inspirations and roles of civilian-military

interactions in Kahawa area. Mutual dependence is the fabric glue that connects the

relationship between the two different social groups and as such both groups benefit

from each other. According to Mwagiru (2003), this unique kind of relationship has

both negative and positive outcomes. Besides, the theory has both economic and

social elements as the interactions have adopted socio-economic dimensions

involving sporting and trade exchanges.

The theory was used in explaining the importance of closeness between the military

establishment at Kahawa barracks and locals around it in addition to giving the socio-

economic roles of the presence of the military barracks to the local populations. The

aim is to understand the gains realized through various social-economic benefits

derived by the locals from living close to the barracks while also understanding the

rewards acquired by the occupants of barracks from the locals. The theory was also

used to explain the costs involved in such interaction.

31
2.7 Conceptual Framework

A conceptual framework is a diagrammatic representation of the relationship of

variables under study. This section provides a structural narrative description of the

relationship between the variables forming the concepts of the study on effective

project management. The conceptual framework was adopted for its potential

application as a tool to aid in making meaning of the research findings. It helped in

showing the interplay between the dependent and independent variables. The model in

Figure 2.1 illustrates this scenario.

According to the conceptual framework illustrated below, the dependent variable is

improved wellbeing, with sub-variables such as; improved security, increased income,

high productivity, general price level, the improved standard of living, easier

accessibility to social amenities, high education level; while independent variable is

the presence of Kahawa military barracks. Intervening variables include economic

and social blue prints like SACCOs, banks and mobile money outlets like M-Pesas

and social welfare programs. The framework illustrates the possible impact of

Kahawa barracks on socio-economic development in the study area.

32
 ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
MILITARY INSTALLATIONS

a. Club and Bars

b Retail Shops IMPROVED LIVELIHOODS
c. SACCOs
d. Hotel and Restaurant
e. Banks and Money
f. Housing outlets
g. Farming

IMPACT ON THE LOCALS

a. Improved security
a. Disaster management a. Presence of active
b Increased income
b. Health support service
c. High Agricultural
c. Road construction b Economic stability
productivity
d. Improved security c. availability of AU/UN
d. Improved standards of
e. Environment conservation Missions
living
f. Cultural enrichment d. Ability to invest
e. Accessibility to social
g. Charity and welfare e. Political instability
amenities
projects f. Command responsibility
f. Improved health care
g. High education level

Independent variables Intervening variables Dependent variables

Source: Author (2018)

Figure 2.1 Conceptual framework

33
 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter focuses on the practical procedures for carrying out the research. This

includes the details of the research design to be adopted and why it would be

beneficial to the study (Creswell, 2014). It further gave details on the targeted

population, and the reason for the choice, the sample size and sampling procedures,

data collection instruments, data analysis techniques, and finally the ethical

considerations during the study.

3.2 Research Design

The study used a descriptive survey since the data to be collected is qualitative. This

research adopted descriptive research design because it is more effective and

significant and enabled the researcher to collect data that helped in answering the

research questions. Descriptive survey design focuses attention on ways of

formulating the objectives of data collection, data collection instruments, data

collection instruments, data analysis, and proper reporting of the finding (Mugenda

and Mugenda,2003). The descriptive survey involves the process of administering

questionnaires to respondents by either mail, in person, or by telephone. This research

method was used chosen because it can provide lot of information from a large

sample of individuals and by employing this study design the study collected both

quantitative and qualitative data.

Schindler and Coopers (2003), posits that descriptive study is well structured with

clearly stated investigative questions. According to him descriptive studies serves a

34
variety of research objectives such as the description of phenomena and features

associated with the subject population, an estimate of the total number of the

respondent that have similar features associated, and discovery of association among

different variables (Churchill, 1991). Orodho, (2004) points out that the choice of the

descriptive survey research design is made based on the fact that in the study, the

research is interested in the state of affairs already existing in the field and no variable

would be manipulated. While Bryman and Bell (2003) posit that a descriptive study is

concerned with determining the relationship between variables. Through a descriptive

survey, the researcher was able to collect information through scheduled interviews,

observations, and review of reports from a sample population (Orotho 2013). This

approach enabled an understanding of the economic development and military CSR

within the area of study.

3.3 Study Area

The study was conducted in the Kahawa region which houses Kahawa Army

Garrisons and its surroundings, specifically in areas like Kahawa Wendani, Sukari,

Githurai, Juja, KU and Ruiru. Kahawa as a region lies to the north of Githurai, a

Nairobi suburb and settlement along the Kenya-Uganda Railway. Kahawa lying on

Thika Road is an inter-county settlement shared by both Kiambu and Nairobi counties

in the great metro region. Kahawa‟s coordinates are 1°11′S 36°56′E.

Despite its proximity to the city, most of its parts are administratively in Ruiru Sub-

county of Kiambu County. Among the key institutions found in the area is Kenyatta

University. Generally, the Kahawa region is subdivided as follows:

35
 a. Kahawa Sukari (Home to Peponi School, Brookside, Kahawa Sukari

Estate and Sukari Ranch, owned by the Kenyatta‟s), in Kiambu County.

b. Kahawa Wendani (Home to Nakumatt Wendani and Kahawa Wendani

Estate), entirely in Kiambu County.

c. Kahawa West (Home to Jacaranda Apartments, Maziwa Settlement

and Kamae Settlement), in Nairobi County's Roysambu Constituency.

The Kahawa Barracks area (which forms the border with Nairobi County) was the site

of a British Army base before Kenya's independence (Percox, 2004) and now hosts

the Kahawa Army Base of Kenyan Army (Jane's, July 7, 2009). The barrack traverses

Kahawa Wendani and Kahawa Sukari administrative Wards.

Source: [Link]/Kenya//kahawabarack and surrounding areas/008dc4/h

36
Source: [Link]

3.4 Target Population

The target population for the study area was the households living within the barracks

and members of the local community living around Kahawa barracks, Juja, Kasarani,

Kahawa Sukari, and Kenyatta University, Kahawa Sukari, Kenyatta University.

Respondents from local populations in Kahawa area comprising of traders, vendors,

hoteliers, and the general population of locality (Robson, C. 1993) Civilian Military

personnel working with departments related to construction and specialized officers in

the barracks was also be targeted. The target population has insight and perception of

how the military barracks have influenced the livelihoods of the local population in

general.

3.5 Sample and Sampling Technique

The sample size is a smaller group or sub-group obtained from the accessible

population (Mugenda and Mugenda, 1999). The sample was selected using some

systematic format. The study used a qualitative research design since the data to be

37
collected is qualitative. This study was focused on civilian-military relations and

looks at how the location of Kahawa Barracks has contributed to the urban socio-

economic development in the country.

The study used a purposive sampling technique to assemble a required number of

respondents. The study employed purposeful sampling. Patton (1990) quoted in

Casley and Kumor (1995) states that when the researcher cannot meet the

requirements of probability sampling, ‟purposeful‟‟/purposive sampling can be used.

According to Patton, this strategy is aimed at capturing and describing the central

themes principles and outcomes that cut across several participants. The purpose of

choosing a purposeful sampling procedure was mainly to identity information-rich

sources such as vendors, property owners, and bar owners involved in the growing

business around the barracks. The purposive method is preferred since the researcher,

having worked in the Kahawa Barracks, is aware of individuals he wishes to uses as

lead respondents.

38
Table4.1: Sample Size and Sampling Frame

Category of respondents Sample size Percentage

Traders 18 30
Urban Gardeners 10 17
Religious Leaders 06 10
Students 08 13
Soldiers and Civil DOD Staff 10 17
Local/Government leaders 08 13

Total 60 100

3.6 Sample Size and Sampling Frame

According to Uma and Rodgers (2013), a sampling frame is a list of all elements in

the population from which a sample is drawn. The sampling frame of the study

included key informants and Household participants in the changing fortune of

Kahawa area. The study anticipates using 60 respondents from various household

categories in which 60 randomly selected households were interviewed. The

researcher applied Homogeneous Sampling by choosing respondents with specific

characters. Data collection strategies involved the use of scheduled interviews,

observations, and review of documented reports. Secondary data on infrastructural

development and social interactions were accessed from existing literature.

3.7 Data Collection Instruments

To generate quantitative and qualitative data, many methods were used to collect both

primary and secondary data. This study contained quantitative data using a

questionnaire from the households around Kahawa barracks.

39
The research adopted open and closed-ended questions. The open-ended questions

were necessary for collecting the qualitative data while the close-ended questionnaire

was used to collect the quantitative data. The questionnaires were subdivided into five

sections with the first section of questionnaires addressing the demographic

information about the respondents with the other sections on the businesses that have

sprung up in the area following the establishment of Kahawa barracks. The third

section looked at the challenges that have arisen from the barracks, while the fourth

section was on the mechanisms in place to address the challenges from the barracks.

The researcher with the help of research assistants administered the questionnaires.

An interview schedule was used to collect data from key informants. The collection of

secondary data involves a review of the Ministry of Defense publications, journals,

and other materials from relevant sources.

3.8 Data Collection Procedure

A letter of introduction was obtained from the Department of Conflict, Peace, and

Security Studies of Kenyatta University by the researcher. The researcher self-

administered the interviews and conduct field observations in a seemingly normal

setting within different areas around Kahawa barracks including Juja, Githurai,

Mangu, Kahawa Sukari area. The respondents were briefed to enable them to respond

to the interviews effectively.

3.9 Pilot study

A pilot study is described as a preliminary test conducted before embarking on the

actual study. It involves the pre-testing of the instruments to determine their validity

and reliability. For this study, a pilot study was undertaken at Embakasi Garrison,

which has some similarities with Kahawa Garrison. This helped to bring into light the

40
weaknesses, if any, of the interviews, and the experience gained in this way can be

used to improve the instrument and find out if all the interviews are effective. The

pilot study was aimed at testing the design and nature of questions and ensure that the

questions were logical clear and easily understood and further check that all the

respondents' answers exhaustively addressed the questions (Bell, J. 1999). It further

allows the researcher to confirm whether the variables were processed and analyzed

easily and the time it took the respondents to complete the questionnaires. The pre-test

was conducted on a sample consisting of 10% of the respondents.

3.10 Validity and Reliability of the Research Instrument

The research instruments were validated in terms of content and face validity. Data

triangulation and supervisors giving personal responses comments and relevance to

reducing research bias. The researcher also endeavored to establish a comparison

case/seeking out similarities and differences across accounts, account for personal

biases, which may have influenced findings, and further carry out a pilot study to

ensure the validity of the instruments.

3.11 Data Analysis and Presentation

Being a qualitative sampling, the researcher used interviews in this study. In a

qualitative approach, an interpretive method is used to conduct an evaluation

(Mugenda & Mugenda, 2003). The collected data was analyzed qualitatively through

the use of narratives, tables, etc.

3.12 Ethical Considerations

To achieve the ethical thresh hold in this study, before data collection; the researcher

sought authorization from the organization to carry out research. The researcher

41
ensured respondents' confidentiality of the information obtained and further that the

information was solely used for the study. Individuals were given the option to refuse

to participate if they so wish. Equally, the dignity, privacy, and interest of the

participants were treated with the utmost respect (Bell, J. 1999). The researcher also

ensured that the Research data from this study is confidential and all participants

remain anonymous. Where required and deemed necessary, due credit was given to

parties contributing to the research.

42
 CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS

4.1 Introduction

This chapter offers data analysis and discusses of the findings of the study. It has

employed the use of Frequencies and charts to present the findings. A discussion of

the outcome was based on the respondents‟ data. The data has been presented

according to the objectives of the study and variables on significance of military

installations to socio-economic development in Kenya. The key objectives under

analysis include the rise of economic activities in Kahawa and surrounding areas,

challenges arising from the location of a military barrack in Kahawa, and measures in

place to address the challenges.

4.2 Response Rate

The study targeted 60 respondents out of which 58 respondents returned their

questionnaires contributing to the response rate of 97%. These response rates were

sufficient and representative and conform to Mugenda and Mugenda (1999)

stipulation that a response rate of 50% is adequate for analysis and reporting; a rate of

60% is good and a response rate of 70% and over is excellent. This commendable

response rate was due to extra efforts that were made by the researcher and the

research assistants via personal calls and visits to remind the respondents to fill-in and

return the questionnaires.

43
Table 4.2 Questionnaire Return Rate

Response Frequency Percentage

Filled 58 97%

Total Sample 60 100%

Source: Primary Data 2020

4.3 Demographic Characteristics of Respondents

The study sought to establish information on various aspects of respondents‟

background such as time of being a resident, gender, age group, marital status,

academic/professional qualification, occupation, average income, and the role played

in the military facility vis a vis local in the neighborhoods‟ economy. This

information aimed at testing the appropriateness of the respondents in answering the

questions regarding the significance of Kahawa barrack in the area to the local

economy. The study sought to find out whether the household respondents were

residents of the area and whether they were involved in any of the economic activities

that have arisen after the location of the base in the area or whether they have been

affected in anyway by the location of the barrack in Kahawa.

The study required the respondents to indicate their gender.

Table 4.3 Gender of the respondents

Gender Frequency Percentage

Male 27 47%
Female 31 53%
Total 58 100
The study investigated the demographic information of respondents. According to

Table 4.3, this research interviewed 58 respondents in the study area. 47% of these,

representing 27 respondents were males while 53% (representing 31 respondents)

44
were females. The findings indicate that in the majority of the households, females

(53%) were more involved in the rising economic activities in the area or had been

influenced by the activities resulting from the presence of the military barrack in the

area.

This finding further indicates that there was gender balance in the study (53% female

to 47% male) and this was consistent with the one-third gender stipulation of Kenya‟s

2010 constitution. This rule requires that in any gender consideration, the female

should take up at least a third of the proportion (Constitution of Kenya, 2010).

47%
53%

MALE FEMALE

Figure 4.3: Distribution of Respondents by Gender

Table 4.4: Respondents age distribution

Age Cohort Frequency Percentage

Below 18 0 0
18-20 6 10
21-35 18 31
36-50 27 47
51-65 4 7
66 years and above 3 5
Total 58 100

45
From Table 4.4, the majority of the respondents (47%) were mature adults falling

within the reproductive age bracket or above. In terms of age distribution by age

cohort, 10% of the respondents were aged 18-20 years, 31% 21-35 years, 47% 36-50

years, 7% 51-65 years, while 5% were aged 66 and above years. This indicates that

most of the respondents were mature adults therefore the responses they provided

were conclusive.

The majority of respondents were 30 - 39 years (representing 47%), 7% were 51- 65

years and 5% were over 65 years of age while none was less than 18 years. This

implies that respondents who participated in the study were of right age and therefore,

possessed knowledge as sought by the study. Thus, reliable information was sought

from these respondents by the study. This further indicates that diverse information

was sought from respondents since they belonged to different age brackets. Ideally,

opinions by the aged and adult people are not similar to those held by youths. Hence,

combining ideas from people of different age‟s results in diversity.

The study required the respondents to indicate their highest education level.

Table 4.5 Education level of the respondents

Highest Education Level Frequency Percentage

University 1 1.7
College 4 6.9
Secondary 35 60.4
Never Completed Secondary Education 12 20.7
Primary 5 8.6
Never Completed Primary Education 1 1.7
No formal education 0 0
Total 58 100

46
According to the findings in Table 4.5, 1.7% of the respondents representing 1

respondent had acquired university education, 6.9% representing 4 respondents had a

college education, 60.4% had completed secondary education, 20.7% representing 12

respondents had joined but never completed secondary education, 8.6% had

completed primary education, 1.7% had joined but never completed primary

education while none of the respondents registered not having a formal education.

Therefore, it can be noted that the majority of the respondents had attained more than

basic education and, therefore, provided valid and consistent information about the

significance and challenges associated with the installation of military barrack in

Kahawa.

The study sought information on the occupation of the respondents.

Table 4.6 Occupation of the respondents

Occupation Frequency Percentage

Traders 18 31
Urban gardeners 10 17
Students and religious leaders 5 9
Boda Boda operators 10 17
Soldiers and Civil DOD Staff 8 14
Local government and Causal Laborers 7 12
Total 58 100

According to the findings in Table 4.6, 31% representing 18 respondents were traders

running a variety of businesses including shops, bars, and eateries, 17% which

constituted 10 respondents were urban gardeners engaged in small scale

agribusinesses, 9% standing for 5 respondents were students from universities and

colleges around Kahawa area and religious leaders from those institutions. Religion

47
affects various aspects of day-day to human moral behaviour. According to Brent,

Benda, and Corwyn (2001), more religious communities lower the rate of crime.

The study examined the religious composition of the respondents sampled for this

study. 17% were Boda and Matatu‟s operators living and operating roads in the area

while 14% were Soldiers and Civil DOD Staff, Brick and Williams (2013). The

remaining 12% (making up 7 respondents) consisted of local government leaders and

casual laborers who work based on the availability of work. Therefore, the majorities

of the respondents represented by 31% were entrepreneurs involved in different

businesses arising from the location of barracks in the area.

Respondents representing soldiers and civil staff worked in different sections within

Kahawa Barracks. These findings indicate that the presence of Kahawa Barracks in

the area has had a positive impact on the creation of jobs. This went a long way

toward improving their economic and financial aspects.

The variability in occupation creates need for dependence supporting the theory of

Interdependence which argues that mutual dependence is the fabric glue that connects

the relationship between different social groups coexisting in close proximity

Mwagiru (2003).

The study required the respondents to indicate their household income level

Table 4.7 Household income of the respondents

Range of earning Frequency Percentage

Between 2501-5000 10 17
Between 5001-7500 45 11 19
Between 7501-10000 14 24
More than 10000 23 40
Total 58 100

48
According to the findings in Table 4.7, 17 % of the households earned an average

monthly income of between Kshs. 2501-5000, 19% earned between Kshs 5001-7500,

24% earned between Kshs 7501-10000 while 40% representing 23 respondents earned

more than Kshs 10,000. Therefore, the majority of households could afford basic

household needs due to relative good earning.

The presence of Kahawa barrack has thus improved the wellbeing of a majority of

residents in the area with a majority (40%) earning in excess of 10,000. This supports

the argument by Waddock and Graves (1997) that several opportunities and rewards

arise from relationships between different groups of being which often better the

living standards of those who take the opportunities.

4.4 Economic Activities coming up in the area because of Kahawa Army

Barracks

One of the objectives of the study was to assess the economic activities coming up in

the study area as a result of Kahawa Army Barracks. The study used a structured data

schedule to collect secondary data and unstructured data schedule to collect primary

data of economic activities that have come up or increased in intensity as a result of

interaction between the Kahawa barrack occupants and the surrounding localities. The

study found that there are several activities whose rise is closely associated with the

military barrack.

From the study findings, 35 respondents representing 60% indicated that they had

benefited from Kahawa Army Barracks. 5 of these had been offered job opportunities

in the barracks. This has enhanced their economic and financial well-being. Hence,

the presence of Kahawa Army Barracks has resulted in a positive impact.

49
Table 4.8 Beneficiaries of Military Presence in Kahawa

Response Frequency %
Yes 35 60
Can’t tell 9 16
Never 14 24
Total 58 100

12 of the 18 traders in the area indicated that the majority of soldiers, especially the

young unmarried ones, often get their food from nearby kiosks during weekends and

public holidays when most of the Base canteens are closed. This implies that soldiers

and their families in this area have contributed to the growth of food business ventures

as they provide a ready-made consumer base as pointed out by Applebaum, (2012).

The soldiers and their families are on the other hand able to access goods they require

easily thanks to their proximity to Githurai 45, Kahawa Sukari, and Kahawa

Wendaini markets. Those who are unable to access the goods in the market can still

buy them in the camps from traders (usually women) who hawk their wares within the

base vicinity. They supply clothes, fruits, and household goods often at a slightly

higher price than the market prices.

Because of the large number of soldiers at Kahawa barracks, many bars, eateries,

shopping outlets, vegetable shops, barbershops, eateries, carpentry shops, and

marketplaces have been grounded in regions close to the camps to cater for the

camp‟s inhabitants. Responses from the field indicated that these have helped camp

dwellers as they can easily access what they need without having to walk long

distances. They can also access a variety of goods from a single place instead of

buying them in different outlets.

50
The study found out that the presence of Kahawa barracks has sparked the sprouting

of many cyber café businesses around the areas. Despite cheaper computers and

wireless internet modems within the military barracks, a sizeable number of soldiers

most of who have families and are service members themselves are still trooping into

cyber cafes within Kahawa areas to do more than just checking emails and surfing the

internet. Majority of cyber customers seek services such as skyping, betting, and other

services.

Field observation indicated that there are many people in the area operating mobile

money services including M-Pesa, Airtel Money, Equity, KCB, and Cooperative Bank

agencies, which have come in handy and target the larger population of military

population and their families who live around the area. This is due to the nature of

military work, which leaves many service members with financial needs covering

everything including utility bills, school fees, taxes, and international transfers from

family and friends. The features of this small business appealing to the military

community include the fact that that they are cheap, convenient, safe, and easily

accessible as many service personnel doesn‟t have enough time to visit their banks

mostly during their training and quick deployment reasons.

The study also found out that Kahawa barracks which have a high number of soldiers

rely on the supply from the local community. These include people who supply

foodstuff, vehicle spare parts among other commodities. This is a source of livelihood

for the people who do those deliveries. Furthermore, small, private agricultural farms

are gaining more and more popularity and constantly develop especially around

Kahawa area where there is ready market from the swelling population of military

personnel and their families for agricultural produce, particularly, for green vegetables

51
and fruits. This is in line with Kelley and Thibaut (1978) who argue that an ideal

relationship is usually characterized by high levels of rewards. According to them,

rewards are viewed as exchanged resources that are gratifying and pleasurable which

seems the case here as both farmers and consumers tend to positively feed off each

other.

Many serving service members opting to stay off the barracks apartments. This has

resulted in high demand for housing within the surrounding areas. Equally, many of

the service members‟ facilities also look for houses near the barracks due to proximity

to their friends and families and the perceived security of the areas.

Lastly, 7 of the 10 respondents from the Boda Bodas and Tuk-tuks category

representing 70% indicated that they had benefited from the presence of Kahawa

barracks. Boda and Tuk-tuk remain the preferred means of transport due to their

availability, cost, and maneuverability making them more preferred compared to

Matatu‟s. This trend has seen these businesses defying the tough economic times

experienced by many residents and students within the area.

4.5 Influence of the location of Kahawa Barracks on Bars and Club Businesses

The study sought to assess the impact of the location of Kahawa barrack on the

economy of bars and clubs in the area.

52
Table 4.9: Influence of Kahawa Barrack on the state of bars and clubs in the

area

Response Frequency Percentage

Yes 45 78
No 11 19
Do not know 2 3
Total 58 100

A proportion of the respondents consisting of 45 respondents representing 78%

indicated that there has been an increase in bars and club business in the area

associated with the placement of the barrack in the locality. The key informants also

indicated the assumption that the military personnel and staff have money that has

inspired the opening of bars and clubs.

This has created jobs for the locals, particularly, youthful ladies who operate those

entertainment facilities. This has also gone along with betting and other sports

activities. 19% of respondents representing 11 of the respondents indicated that the

location of the bar and clubs has had an insignificant influence on the state of bars and

clubs in the area, arguing that, the increase of these facilities is spontaneous as is the

case in other areas without military installations. They argued that the drinking culture

is universal and does not require the influence of a given profession, while 2

respondents, a representation of 3% indicated that they were not aware of the

influence of Kahawa barracks on the state of bars and clubs in the area.

The study sought to find out the influence of Kahawa barracks on hotels and

restaurants in the area.

53
Table 4.10: Influence of Kahawa barrack on hotels and restaurants in Kahawa

area and its environs

Response Frequency Percentage

Yes 38 66
No 13 22
Do not know 7 12
Total 58 100

38 respondents representing 66% of the study population indicated that there has been

a drastic increase in the hotel, restaurant, and eateries activities in Kahawa area since

the installation of Kahawa barrack. This confirms Black's (1991) argument that in

many military establishments, many service members still opt to eat from outside the

barracks mostly in a bit to change diet, environment, and mostly since many military

installations close quite early and many service members move outside to look for

food. 22% of the respondents however, indicated that the growth in hotel and

restaurant business in the area could be traced to the construction of Thika Super

Highway and has little if anything to do with Kahawa barrack installation in the area.

7 respondents representing 12% of the population indicated that they were unaware of

the relationship between Kahawa military barrack and the growth of hotel and eateries

activities in the area.

The study also sought to establish whether the presence of Kahawa barrack in the area

had any influence on SACCOs and Retirees‟ Welfare Programs.

54
Table 4.11 SACCOs and Retirees’ Welfare Programs

Response Frequency Percentage

Yes 11 19
No 20 34
Do not know 27 47
Total 58 100

Concerning the involvement of the military barrack in SACCOs and Welfare

activities in the area, eleven respondents representing 19% indicated that the military

personnel both retired and active servicemen and civilian personnel played an active

role in SACCO activities either as executives or members. 20% of the respondents

observed that the role of military personnel and servicemen in the SACCOs and

Welfare activities in Kahawa was ranged from limited to non-existing. 20% of the

respondents did not know of the involvement or lack of it of the military men/women

in SACCOs and Welfare activities in the area.

The recognition of 19% of engagement of military personnel in SACCOs and Welfare

activities confirms Prusty (2016) and Lindvert (2018) findings which assert that

military SACCOs are managed by a professional management team, which reports to

a committee elected by members annually or according to the by-laws of the SACCO.

Though these SACCOs have restricted membership to industry or sector of work, they

serve to help active and serving service members to invest and save for their future.

Lindvert (2018) adds that military personnel maximize investments because SACCOs

are deposit-taking in nature and are an ideal way to channel savings.

The study also sought to establish whether the presence of Kahawa barrack has had

influence on mobile money agency growth.

55
Table 4.12 Mobile Money Agency Outlets

Response Frequency Percentage

Yes 33 57
No 7 12
Don‟t Know 18 31
Total 58 100

Concerning the involvement of the military barrack in mobile money transfer in the

area, thirty-three respondents representing 57% observed that the military personnel

both retired and active servicemen and civilian personnel played an active role in

mobile money transfer in the area by either owning and running several outlets

themselves or through hired hands or families which operated on their behalf. Other

than this, the majority of respondents noted that the mere presence of the barrack has

contributed to the mobile money systems as they use the mobile money systems for

depositing or withdrawing money from the outlets. According to Gavin & Jesse,

(2009) financial services via the mobile phone is one principal way in which mobile

telephony is transforming the life and business in developing countries thus having an

income often boosts the mobile money transfer system as the military barrack

occupants often send money home to relatives at the end of each month.

However, seven respondents representing 12% of the sample disagreed with the view

that the presence of the barrack has influenced mobile money transfer activities in the

area. They noted that the increased mobile activities in the area have no reflection on

the presence of the barrack. They noted that the military personnel prefer using

services inside the barrack, not outside. Thus, the growing mobile money outlets

outside the barrack has not been influenced upon by the presence of the barrack. 18

56
respondents, 31% of the general sample were, however, unaware of the involvement

of Kahawa barracks in the economic aspects of the mobile money transfer in the area.

The research also sought to establish the involvement of Kahawa barrack in the

growth of small retail businesses including the growth of shops and food kiosks in the

area.

Table 4.13 Small Retail Business and Kiosks in the area

Response Frequency Percentage

Yes 51 88
No 7 12
Don‟t Know 0 0
Total 58 100

From Table 4.13 above, the study established that the presence of the military facility

has greatly impacted small retail businesses in the area. 51 respondents - an 88%

representation of the total population - noted that the presence of the military barrack

and its population has impacted small businesses in the area as they are customers in

those outlets or some through relatives run a cascade of shops. The respondents,

however, majorly agreed that the military barrack provides a customer base especially

to food kiosks in the area.

They noted that, though the military barrack provides food to some of their staff, the

majority of them prefer food cooked from outside the barrack. This, according to the

respondents, offers the military personnel a chance to stroll outside the routine

barrack life cycle. Respondents noted that some of the business ventures, particularly,

shops in the area are operated by the barrack dwellers through relatives, friends, and

hired keepers.

57
12% of the respondents, however, argued that the growth of business in the area has

been inspired by the arrival of foreigners such as South Sudanese, Ethiopians, and

Congolese who have populated the area in the past 20 years. They provide capital and

customer base hence taking the business to a different level. This confirms

Delbridge‟s (2019) assertion that a large population demands for small retail

merchandise always spark the growth of much small retail business operating within

an area thus making Wendani, Githurai, Kahawa Sukari almost a 24-hour economy

estate. Though this often comes with a lot of security concerns as seen through

increased cases of burglary and petty crimes like a pickpocket in roads leading to

markets and residences. This is in tandem with Kelley and Thibaut (1978) theoretical

assertion that each association and interaction has its rewards and costs though many

people tend to exploit the rewards while minimizing the cost.

The study also sought to assess if Kahawa barrack has influenced horticulture,

housing, and real estate in Kahawa area and its environs.

Table 4.14 Horticulture, Housing, and Real Estate

Response Frequency Percentage

Yes 38 66
No 12 21
I don‟t know 8 13
Total 58 100

From Table 4.14 above we note that (66%) of the population agree that the presence

of Kahawa barracks has had a major influence and boost on the horticulture, housing,

and real estate business around the area. This can be attributed to the high number of

residents of Kahawa buying a lot of horticulture from the local markets and renting

houses within the areas thus boost the housing and real estate business within the area

as posited by Robinson and Muriel (2014). Key respondents indicated that military
58
personnel returning from missions outside the country invest their earnings in housing

and real estate business. Contrary to this though, 21% indicated that the military has

no influence on horticulture, housing and real estate business in the area. 8

respondents – a thirteen percent of the population expressed lack of knowledge of

military influence on market gardening, housing and real estate.

These findings support the notion of Interdependence theory which argues that there

is always a social exchange in society showing rewards and cost associated with any

kind of interpersonal relationships. According to Waddock and Graves (1997), human

life is fundamentally social. Much of it unfolds in the context of group interactions.

Kelley and Thibaut (1978) notes that rewards are viewed as exchanged resources that

are gratifying and pleasurable while costs are exchanged resources that result in a loss

or punishment as seen in cases where insecurity and immorality has soared.

4.6 The Impact of Kahawa Barracks on the livelihoods of the locals.

The second objective of the study was to examine the impact of Kahawa barracks on

the livelihoods of the locals.

Table 4.15 Social programs by military in Kahawa

Response Frequency Percentage

Yes 24 41
No 20 35
Don’t know 14 24
Total 58 100

From the findings, 41% of respondents agreed that many local communities around

the area enjoyed military facilities and services. Kahawa barracks have numerous

facilities including training and playfields, shops and cafeterias and even learning

59
institutions. Locals residing within the camps are allowed to access these facilities.

Key respondent interviews revealed that youth from the area have a football team and

they use the barracks‟ field for training purposes. They also have completions with the

army. This is a positive outcome from the existence of a military camp.

Equally Kahawa barracks have a primary school, which is open to the public. 63% of

the respondents further indicated that, the presence of Kahawa barracks has improved

the general security of the area. Improvement in the security is a positive outcome and

it allows people to operate freely within the area. This also helps locals to extent their

working hours especially the „mama mbogas‟ and those in the jua kali sector. The

other benefit accruing from increased security in the area noted from key respondents

is increased financial transactions especially with M-Pesa, bank agents, and other

financial agents.

From the findings, 52% of respondents representing 30 respondents indicated that

Kahawa barracks have corporate social responsibility programs that offered medical

support services in terms of vaccination, immunization, and sensitization of the local

communities against diseases and infections. This has enabled the local community

to stay healthy. The barracks has an affordable health facility, and many people in the

area seek treatment in the facility mostly for free. Kahawa barracks had also taken up

responsibilities to provide for and care for orphans, mentally sick children, and

widows around the region. This was also a positive impact resulting from the presence

of a military camp in an area to locals. 45% were however, unaware that such services

existed while the remaining 3% argued that such programs don‟t exist.

47% of the respondents indicated that the presence of Kahawa barracks had improved

the environmental condition of the surrounding area through an environmental soldier

60
program whereby they clean the environment plant trees and correct disposal of waste

products. 40% were unaware of existence of such programs.

4.7 Challenges brought about by military barracks in Kahawa

Responses from key informants indicated that there existed some conflict that arose

between Kahawa barracks personnel and local communities, which caused grievances

and injuries to either party. Most of these occur in social places including clubs.

Injuries and grievances are negative outcomes. Thus, as much as the existence of

military camps results in positive outcomes, as shown above, there are also negative

impacts associated with their existence. This is in line with Interdependence theory

which is of view that mutual dependence is the fabric glue that connects the

relationship between different social groups with both groups benefiting from each

other. However, as notes Mwagiru (2003), this unique kind of relationship has both

negative and positive outcomes to both parties involved.

61% of the respondents further indicated that Kahawa Barracks was associated with

an increase in cases of immorality mostly involving abuse of women and school

children. Many local civilians have opened up many business ventures, including

bars, pool tables, wines and spirit and pub business in the area due to the perceived

security within the area. This, according to respondents has increased cases of

drunkenness, promiscuity, petty theft, pickpocketing or robbery among other crimes

by local civilians and are associated with the presence of disciplined forces within the

area. These pubs and bars are cheap and enticing to the local girls and boys who take

advantage to engage in crimes like pickpockets, petty thieves, gambling, prostitution,

drugging and shylocking. This supports the argument by Mike Stajura (2014) that

Army bases isn‟t as safe as you think.

61
Key respondents also indicated that in Kahawa area, cases of drunkenness, sexual

promiscuity is on the rise due to the many clubs and lodging cropping up around the

area as posited by Goyal V, Mattocks (2001). Many civilians‟ population are drawn

close in the areas due to thriving business believe that the military personnel has

money.

From the study findings, 43% of respondents indicated that many locals around

Kahawa barracks prefer to buy household items from the military supermarkets due to

their reduced prices. This affects other businesses owned by civilians around the base

due to reduced sales. This is because many military shops sell items and household

items at reduced prices due to tax-free and this affects other business around the base

and subsequently the economic growth of the general area. Local business people

identified cheap household and electronic prices as a cause of poor trade on the items

within the area.

4.8 Measures in Place to Address Challenges Brought about by Kahawa

Barracks in the study area

The study sought to establish whether measures have been taken to address challenges

emanating from civilian-military relations in the study area.

Table 4.16 Measures to address civilian-military relations

Response Frequency Percentage

Yes 28 48
No 27 47
Don‟t know 3 5
Total 58 100

62
48 percent of the respondents indicated that efforts have been made at addressing the

conflict and challenges brought about by civilian-military activities in Kahawa. This

is done through consistent all-round security patrols and sentries to ensure the safety

and security of all parties. Base guard sentries are always stationed at various

locations around the establishment for example at gates to military bases and along

the fence. The barracks also maintain a watchtower to detect and deter criminal

activities around. According to Meilink, Henk (1982) a security watch stander is

responsible for knowing and carrying out the provisions of the emergency. This has

waded off many attempted criminal activities on many military barracks in Kenya.

Furthermore, strict rules on access to the barracks has also been able to reduce the

number of influx into the barracks thus reducing threat, insecurity, and the number of

shoppers within the barracks. This has made it almost impossible for many local

shoppers to access the barracks thus leaving them with no option but to purchase a

bigger portion of their merchandise from the local markets and shops outside thus

promoting the local economy and businesses outside.

Despite the efforts, 47% of the respondents argued that the military administration is

slow to react to complaints from the local victims and often resort to cover up. This is

what infuriates some into taking the law into own hands once they disagree with

military personnel. They baled the military administration of always putting their

image ahead of every dispute resolution thus, denying justice to many. 5% of

respondents knew little of the conflict or existence of mechanisms to resolve them.

63
 CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

5.1 Introduction

This chapter presents the summary of the findings, conclusions and recommendations

of the study on the effects of military deployment on psychosocial wellbeing of KDF

families in Nairobi within an aim of finding measures to mitigate the effects of

deployment on psychosocial well-being of families during periods of deployment.

The chapter begins with the discussion, followed by the conclusions drawn from the

discussions and finally the recommendations arising from the study. Chapter five

includes the discussion of the key findings in the study as discussed below.

5.2 Objective One: Economic activities coming up in the study area because of

Kahawa Army Barracks.

The study established that because of the large number of soldiers at Kahawa

Barracks, many, eateries, shopping outlets, vegetable shops, barbershops, kiosks,

carpentry shops, and marketplaces have been grounded in regions close to the camps

to cater to the camp inhabitants. This is in line with Black (1991) who argues in this

case, and in many military establishments, many service members opt to eat from

outside the barracks mostly in a bit to change diet, environment and mostly since

many military installations close quite early and many service members move outside

to look for food.

Delbridge (2019) also found out that a large population demand for small retail

merchandise always sparks the growth of much small retail business operating within

64
an area thus making Wendani, Githurai, Kahawa Sukari almost a 24-hour economy

estate.

The study found out that the presence of Kahawa barracks has sparked the sprouting

of many cyber café businesses around the areas. Despite cheaper computers and

wireless internet modems within the military barracks, a sizeable number of soldiers

most of who are families and service members themselves are still trooping into cyber

cafes within Kahawa areas to do more than just checking emails and surfing the

internet. These findings contradict Kuzabiashara (2016) who indicated the death knell

for small internet kiosks within Wendani area.

The study also found out that Kahawa barracks which have a high number of soldiers

rely on the supply from the local community. These include people who supply

foodstuff, vehicle spare parts among other commodities with the barracks. This is a

source of livelihood for the people who do those deliveries. These findings are in line

with (David 2012) whose study concluded that most locals around the areas with large

farms in Juja and Githurai Kahawa Wendani and Kahawa Sukari prefer this kind of

economic activities as they easily earn tenders to supply fresh farm produce to the

barracks, and several training vocational and institutes of higher learning like

Kenyatta University.

The study further established that many serving service members are opting to stay

off the barracks close to the barracks. This has resulted in higher demand for housing

within the surrounding areas. Equally, many of the service members‟ facilities also

look for houses near the barracks due to proximity to their friends and families and

also due to the perceived security of the areas. This is in agreement with Amadeo

(2019) who indicated that living on base is a great convenience as everything is near

65
and secure from security threats, children and service members can learn and be safe

at work. Chen (2019) adds that this has resulted in higher demand for housing within

the surrounding areas.

Lastly, the study found out that Boda and Tuk-tuk remain the preferred means of

transport due to their availability, cost, and efficiency making them more preferred

compared to Matatu‟s. This agrees with (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics 2018)

reports that indicate that the demand and use of Boda and Tuk-tuk as means of

transport has increased since 2010.

The above findings are fundamentally in agreement with the ideals of

interdependence theory which concur that mutual dependence is a necessary reality in

life. Interdependence theorists Kelley and Thibaut (1978) focusing on reward and

return argue that an ideal relationship is usually characterized by high levels of

rewards compared to low levels of costs. This appears to be the case in Kahawa where

farmers, traders, and transporters focus on getting the best out of their activities by

targeting military personnel believed to have money. On their part, the military trust

these service providers to offer them quality services at prices that would ideally be

more expensive in the barracks.

5.3 Objective Two: The impact of Kahawa Barracks on the livelihoods of the

locals.

The study established that Kahawa barracks has a primary school, which is open to

the public. The school helps children by providing them with a stable learning

environment close to their homes. This supports earlier findings by Ayee (1994).

66
KDF visits nearby schools to offer guidance and motivational talks about issues such

as education, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and the effects of engaging in crime.

Furthermore, from the findings, Kahawa barracks have corporate social responsibility

programs that offer medical support services in terms of vaccination, immunization,

and sensitization of the local communities against diseases and infections. This has

enabled the local community to stay healthy. The barracks has an affordable health

facility, and many people in the area seek treatment in the facility. KDF hospitals

often help children in emergencies by allowing them access in-camp medical facilities

and medication before being moved to civilian facilities. This supports previous

findings by Decaloon on the impact of military installations on the host population

(1973). It also gives credence to interdependence theory on necessity of interaction

among different human groups due to need to difference in specialties, production and

skills.

The study also established that Kahawa Barracks had taken up responsibilities to

provide for and care for orphans, mentally sick and widows around the area. This is a

positive impact resulting from the presence of the military camp in the area.

According to Plümper and Thomas (2016), this derives from the need for

comprehensive welfare programs for the KDF personnel especially those affected by

war and service-connected disability programs for, current and retired DOD civilian

employees, and other eligible participants. Amir (2016) adds that through a

partnership with DEFOKA and DEFMIS, KDF has been able to foster the transition

from military life to civilian life thus making it easier for many service members who

retire from the service honorably to be effortlessly integrated back into society. This is

sometime extended to civilian populations in barrack areas in certain special cases.

67
The study further found out that the presence of Kahawa barracks had improved the

environmental condition of the surrounding area through an environmental soldier

program whereby they clean the environment, plant trees, and encourage correct

disposal of waste products. This disagrees with Tesco (2013), who noted that due to

the aspect of training, testing armory, and the net effects of confining a large group of

military individuals and their families within a restricted environment, military

barracks often negatively affect the environment. However, it is in line with Nielsen

(2015) who indicated that KDF has made progressive efforts to conserve natural

resources accordingly. In many areas, KDF makes efforts to conserve the natural

resources around which many civilians live and work. They have endeavored to put

up measures for the development of manufacturing and delivery of products that work

to reduce the overall environmental impacts.

Standards of living have also risen with increased economic activities in the area. This

agrees with Riley (2004) who indicated that the standard of living is closely related to

the quality of life, which can also include factors such as economic and political

stability, political and religious freedom, environmental quality, climate and safety,

which are quite visible around Kahawa region. The living standards around many

military barracks are high. This can be proved by the high demands of houses around

the area based on the perception that there is optimum security around military

barracks. The findings further highlight the views of interdependence theory that

every human relationship has both positives and negatives with most people aspiring

to maximize positive outcomes while minimizing the negatives.

68
5.4 Objective Three: The challenges brought about military barracks in Kahawa

The study found out that there exists some conflict that arise between Kahawa

barracks personnel and local communities, which caused grievances and injuries to

either party. Most of this conflict occurs in social places including clubs. Injuries and

grievances are the negative outcomes of the relationship. Thus, as much as the

existence of military camps results in positive outcomes, as shown above, there is also

a negative impact associated with their existence.

The study also found out that Kahawa Barracks was associated with an increase in

cases of immorality mostly involving abuse of women and schoolchildren. Many local

civilians have opened up many business ventures, including bars, pool tables, wines

and spirit and pub business in the area due to the perceived security within the area.

Key respondents that these entertainment zones are partly responsible for the

increased immorality. This agrees with a study by Aronson Samuel (2010) that shows

that many military barracks especially in developing countries are very insecure. A

case in point is the increasing number of burglaries and mugging around the military

barracks in Kenya. Glen (2001) further noted that most of those affected may not be

military personnel but many civilians‟ populations drawn close in the areas due to

thriving businesses and civilians in the area who believe that the military personnel

have money.

The study further found out that many locals around Kahawa barracks prefer to buy

household items from the military supermarkets due to their reduced prices. This

affects other businesses owned by civilians around the base due to reduced sales.

Military shops sell items and household commodities at reduced prices due to tax-free

regulations and this affects other businesses around the base and subsequently the

69
economic growth of the general area. This was in line with Meilink (1982) who

argued that many locals‟ residents will never hesitate to access the base and shop at

the Defense Forces Canteen Organization (DEFCO) shops whenever such

opportunities arise due to proximity, variety, reduced prices, and high-quality

products sold at the base canteen. As a result, many local shops and supermarket

suffer from low sales thus affecting many local businesses around the area. These

impact supports Kelly and Thibaut‟s theoretical perceptions that despite most ideal

relationships having high levels of rewards, there are also costs.

5.5 Objective Four: Measures in Place to Address the Challenges Brought about

by the Military Barracks in Kahawa

The study has established the Military HQs has taken various steps to address

challenges caused by military presence in Kahawa. To enhance security in Kahawa

zoning and having strict regulations regarding entry into the barrack has been put into

practice. This is done through consistent all-round security patrols and sentries to

ensure the safety and security of all parties. Base guard sentries are always stationed

at various locations around the establishment for example at gates to military bases

and along the fence. The barracks also maintain a watchtower to detect and deter

criminal activities around. Furthermore, strict rules on access to the barracks has also

been able to reduce the number of influx into the barracks thus reducing threat,

insecurity, and the number of shoppers within the barracks. This has made it almost

impossible for many local shoppers to access the barracks thus leaving them with no

option but to purchase a bigger portion of their merchandise from the local markets

and shops outside barracks thus promoting the local economy and businesses outside.

The need to have measures to address possible as well as actual challenges in barrack

70
areas supports the views by Interdependence theorist Waddock and Graves (1997)

who observed that human life is fundamentally social and is the source of many

human characters emanating from interpersonal experiences and involvements and the

source of many powerful norms. These norms act as rules that govern the relationship

limiting negative outcomes and maximizing positive rewards.

71
 CHAPTER SIX

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Introduction

This chapter presents the summary of the findings, conclusions and recommendations

of the study on the location of Military installations and their significance to

livelihood in Kenya focusing on Kahawa Barracks. The chapter begins with the

summary of the findings followed by recommendations as discussed below.

6.2 Summary of the Findings

The study established that because of the large number of soldiers at Kahawa

barracks, several bars, eateries, shopping outlets, vegetable shops, barbershops, little

eating houses, carpentry shops, and marketplaces have been grounded in regions close

to the camps to cater to the camp inhabitants. The study found out that the presence of

Kahawa barracks has sparked the sprouting of many cyber café businesses around the

areas. Despite cheaper computers and wireless internet modems within the military

barracks, a sizeable number of soldiers most of who are families and service members

themselves are still trooping into cyber cafes within Kahawa areas to do more than

just checking emails and surfing the internet.

The study also found out that Kahawa barracks which have a high number of soldiers

rely on the supply of goods from the local community. These include people who

supply foodstuffs, vehicle spare parts among other commodities with the barracks.

This is a source of livelihood for the people who do the deliveries. The study further

established that many serving service members are opting to stay off the barracks in

72
favour of nearby estates. This has resulted in higher demand for housing within the

surrounding areas.

The study further established that Kahawa barracks has a primary school, which is

open to the public. From the findings, Kahawa barracks has a corporate social

responsibility program that offered medical support services in terms of vaccination,

immunization, and sensitization of the local communities against diseases and

infections. The study also established that Kahawa barracks had taken up

responsibilities to provide for and care for orphans, mentally sick children, and

widows around the region. The study further found out that the presence of Kahawa

barracks had improved the environmental condition of the surrounding area through

environmental soldier programs whereby they clean the environment, plant trees, and

correct disposal of waste products. These are positive impact resulting from the

presence of a military camp in the area.

Beside the positive outcomes of Kahawa barracks in the area, the study established

that there existed some conflict that arose between Kahawa barracks personnel and

local communities, which caused grievances and injuries to either party. Most of this

conflict occurs in social places including clubs. The study also found out that Kahawa

Barracks was associated with an increase in cases of immorality mostly involving

abuse of women and children. The study further found out that many locals around

Kahawa barracks prefer to buy household items from the military supermarkets due to

their reduced prices. This affects other businesses owned by civilians around the base

and subsequently the economic growth of the area as a whole.

To address the challenges, the study established that strict regulations have been put

in place regarding the interaction between civilians and military personnel. Perimeter

73
zoning has also been undertaken. These findings illustrate the value of

interdependence theory as a framework adopted for this study. The findings prove the

theory‟s argument that human relations which are necessary have both rewards and

costs.

6.3 Conclusion of the Findings

The study concludes that the establishment of Kahawa barracks has resulted in both

negative and positive impacts. Some of the positive impacts include supporting and

aiding the local communities during crisis and emergencies, enjoyment of military

facilities and services by locals around, and improving the general security of the

area. The negative impacts included rise in conflicts between Kahawa barracks

personnel and local communities, which result in injuries to either party and increased

immorality in the area.

6.4 Recommendations

6.4.1 Recommendations One:

The study recommends that the Defense Headquarters take affirmative steps to

mitigate the problem of encroachment into military land through zoning ordinances

which ensure that development around the barracks is consistent with the military

activities; building codes that address and minimize noise concerns; and real estate

noise disclosure requirements that inform buyers of the conditions that exist because

of the barracks.

6.4.2 Recommendation Two:

This study recommends that to continue facilitating the thriving of economic activities

in Kahawa area, entry into military facilities particularly shops and canteens by the

74
civilian population should be limited so as not to negatively impact entrepreneurs on

the outside.

6.4.3 Recommendation Three:

Additionally, the study recommends concerted efforts to be made by the military

leadership in Kahawa to identify and punish soldiers who engage in disputes with

civilian populations. Since such conflicts create a bad image on the side of the

military, there is a need for their address as well as limiting interaction between

civilians and soldiers.

6.4.4 Recommendation Four:

The study further recommends that the Garrison Commanders should ensure that Base

guards are always stationed at specific locations around the barracks such as at gates

to military bases, along a fence, around the hanger, or aboard ship. The barracks

should also maintain a watchtower to detect and deter criminal activities around the

base.

6.4.5 Recommendation Five:

Further research should be conducted to establish the influence of Military Barracks

on the crime deterrence among the youths to address encountered limitations.

75
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 APPENDICES

Appendix I: Introduction Letter

Dear Respondent;

I am a postgraduate student at the Kenyatta University in the Department of

Conflict, Peace, and Security Studies carrying out a research study. The role of the

research is to collect information on “Location of Military Installations and their

significance to Livelihoods in Kenya: A Case of Kahawa Barracks”

I request your participation through an oral interview concerning the topic of study

to facilitate the research study. Your information confidentiality will be highly

guaranteed. The identity of your response will be treated as anonymous and will be

used only for academic purposes and thereby do not include your name.

Your participation is highly appreciated.

Thank you.

Kelly Opiyo

78
 Appendix II: Questionnaire

Section A: Demographic

Gender of the respondent

Male [ ] Female [ ]

Age of the respondent

Less than 30 years [ ] 30 - 39 years [ ] 40 - 49 years

[]

50- 59 years [ ] 60 years and above [ ]

Level of education

Primary certificate [ ] Secondary certificate [ ]

Diploma certificate [ ] University Degree [ ]

Masters [ ] PhD [ ]

How long have you lived around Kahawa barracks? …………………………………..

Kindly indicate your designation/the work you do

Traders [ ] Urban gardeners [ ]

Religious leaders [ ] Students [ ]

Soldiers and Civil DOD Staff [ ] Local/Government leaders [ ]

Others (Specify)

……………………………………………………………………………

79
Section B: Location of Military Installations and their Significance to

Livelihoods in Kenya

Have you benefited from Kahawa Army Barracks?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

If yes, kindly indicate/highlight ways in you have benefitedfrom Kahawa Army

Barracks

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

Are there services that the local community access from Kahawa Army Barracks?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

If Yes, kindly indicate the services that the local community access from Kahawa

Army Barracks?

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

Do the above-mentioned services have an impact on the economy and livelihoods of

the Locals?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

80
If Yes, kindly indicate the impact of the services that the local community access

from Kahawa Army Barracks?

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

Are there Challenges that have been brought about by the presence of Military

Barracks in the Area?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

If Yes, kindly indicate the challenges that have been brought about by the presence of

Kahawa Army Barracks in the Area?

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

Which measures should be put in place to address the challenges brought about by the

presence of military barracks in Kahawa area?

..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................

81
 Appendix III: Work Plan

Activity Time Frame Responsibility Expected Critical

Outcome Assumption
Development June-July Researcher Concept paper
of concept 2018
paper
Draft Proposal August-Sept Researcher Proposal Availability of
2018 supervisor
Developing Sept 2018 Researcher Research Availability of
research topic research funds
Strategy developed
Develop Sept-Oct Researcher Draft Draft developed
Research 2018 instrument
Instruments
Review of Oct 2018 Researcher Instruments Draft instruments
Draft and revised developed in
Instruments moderators time
Develop a Oct-Nov Researcher Sampling The sampling
Sampling 2018 frame frame is not
Frame available
Sampling Nov 2018 Researcher Sample Sampling frame
Done and developed
Subject
Identification
Pre-testing Nov 2018 Researcher Pre-tested Training of
Instruments and assistant instrument assistants
conducted
Development Nov -Dec Researcher Dummy table Pre-testing data
of Dummy 2018 and assistants available
Table
Collect Data in Feb-Mar 2019 Researcher Raw data No major
The Field and assistants constraints in the
Work field
Data Analysis Mar-April Researcher Draft report Data analysis
and 2019 and data was done on time
Interpretation analyst
Writing of April-May Researcher List of Report writing
Draft Research 2019 suggested complete
Report revisions to
the report
Submit Final Sept 2019 Researcher Final research Review
Report report workshop held
and revisions
done

82
 Appendix IV: Maps of the Study Area

Map Two: Kahawa Barracks and nearby Administrative centers

Source: [Link]

83
Appendix V: Research Authorization Letter

84
Appendix VI: Research Approval Letter

85
Appendix VII: Nacosti Permit

86