The Origins and Evolution of Anglo-Kenyan Military Diplomatic Relations Since 1963

Abstract

Military professionalism has three characteristic: expertise, social responsibility and corporateness. Africa as a continent has faced numerous coup d’etat because of lack of military professionalism, ethnic and tribal biases in recruitment and promotion. Politicization of the military and militarization of politics and legacy of colonialism was perfected by Africans who became military head as their countries got their independence. While the independence period has witnessed cordial diplomatic, trade and economic relations between the two countries, the ideal military professionalism is a key factor in interstate diplomatic relations. Anglo-Kenyan military diplomatic relations have been beset with challenges embedded in military professionalism on both sides. These include challenges in professional training, academic training and character development in terms of military Diplomatic relations. It was, therefore, imperative that this study sought to trace the origin and evolution of Anglo-Kenyan military diplomatic relations since 1963 when Kenya got her independence. The study was informed by realist theory. The study adopted mixed approach which included: historical research design was used while the sample size was 384. The study used simple random sampling method and purposive sampling to distribute 196 KDF and BATUK soldiers across Archer’s Post training area and 188 key stakeholders, key informants and knowledgeable locals (indigenous) and residents in the training area. The instruments used for collecting data from the field were: observation, questionnaires, In-depth interview guide, Archival documents and secondary data. Data were analyzed with the aid of statistical package for social sciences software (SPSS) version 27. The finding is presented in prose. The findings were: Kenya soveignity is compromised by the permanent BATUK bases in the country. Eavesdropping by BATUK a foreign troop poses a threat to Kenya’s national security. British had three major interests in Kenya which were: to ensure that Kenya remained socially, economically and politically friendly to Britain, the retention of “forward basing”.