The Role of Kenya Defence Force as an Element of National Power in The Achievement of Vision 2030

The implementation of Kenya vision 2030 is ongoing having been launched on 10 June 2008. In Kenya’s Vision 2030, KDF has a role as an enabler of development projects within the nation. For example, the defence forces can have adequate resources and manpower to effectively meet developmental expectations or goals. The study's main goal was to examine the role of the military as a source of national strength in achieving Vision 2030, the nation's economic and social blueprint. The research's particular objectives included laying out the tenets of Kenya's Vision 2030 as the engine for the country's development and prosperity, looking at the KDF's functions as an enabler of the vision 2030, and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of its application to Kenya's Vision 2030. System theory and Expectancy theory served as the foundation for this investigation. The study applied an exploratory research design and was conducted in Nairobi City County and its surrounding areas where KDF are extensively engaged in the creation as well as implementation of various projects related to Vision 2030. The targeted population comprised of a total of 188 government officials in 8 ministries where KDF is involved in implementation of various Vision 2030 projects. A total of 84 respondents were chosen for the study's sample using a purposive sampling method. Questionnaires and interview guides were the primary data collection tools used to gather primary data. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires were examined in a pilot study. Both descriptive statics and content analysis were used to examine the data that had been acquired. The results of the analysis were presented in tabular and graphical form together with pertinent justifications and debates. The study discovered that Kenya's progress and prosperity are greatly aided by the Pillars of Vision 2030. The three pillars of Vision 2030—the economic, social, and political pillars—play a crucial strategic role in achieving the growth and prosperity of the nation. It was discovered that the military had a significant hand in securing important infrastructure projects within Kenya and across international boundaries. Findings from the study indicate that fulfilling the Vision 2030 objective depends heavily on the KDF component of national power. The research recommended that the government should fund KDF to carry out national development projects and restructure the current KDF organization to ensure that a Command is fully dedicated for the nation's social economic development programs. Additionally, more KDF employees need to be hired to work in the Command both skilled and unskilled, leading to creation of youth employment opportunities. In terms of policy, the research suggests creating a framework to direct how the KDF should operate in terms of national development.