The Rise of the Militarized State? African Developmental Militarism, Public Works Projects, and Praetorian Politics in Kenya

• Published in: Armed forces and society 2025-01, Vol.51 (1), p.123-145
• Main Author: K’Akumu, O.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case studies; Corruption; Deployment; Infrastructure; Militarism; Military personnel; Military relations; Politicization; Public works; Securitization; Soldiers; Terrorism
• ISSN: 0095-327X; 1556-0848
• DOI: 10.1177/0095327X231169013

This article analyses the civil–military relations in Kenya in the context of civilian-activated politicization that is taking place the same way it happens in Latin America and the United States under the former Trump administration. In Kenya, this involves the use of the military in noncombat internal missions such as infrastructure development and management of public institutions especially where such institutions are perceived to be inefficient due to corruption both in public and private sectors. Judging from the outcomes of public works undertaken by the military, corruption and inefficiencies cannot be ruled out. This is demonstrated by the Kenya–Somalia Border Securitization Project where 34 million dollars was used to erect a 10-km fence in the war against terrorism. The outcomes of this study negate the logic of the proponents of developmental militarism in Africa who have been vocal in advocating the deployment of the soldiers to solve noncombat social challenges in the continent. Based on three case studies examined, deploying the military to engage in public works projects brings the military into a political minefield, is not productive, and proves to be an unreliable way to combat internal political corruption.