Lawmakers have raised concerns over the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) engaging in civilian projects, arguing that the military’s primary mandate is to safeguard the lives of Kenyans. During a meeting with the Ministry of Defence Principal Secretary, Patrick Mariru, members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by Butere MP Tindi Mwale, questioned whether the increasing involvement of KDF in civilian projects was compromising national security.
The MPs demanded to know whether Kenyans should be alarmed, given that military personnel are preoccupied elsewhere while border insecurity remains a pressing issue. The legislators cited several security breaches along Kenya’s borders, including the recent abduction of five chiefs in Mandera by Al-Shabaab militants. They also pointed to continued harassment of Kenyan fishermen by Ugandan security personnel on Lake Victoria, cross-border raids in Turkana by Toposa militias from South Sudan, and incursions by the Oromo Liberation Army from Ethiopia.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo lamented that Kenya’s borders were increasingly vulnerable to foreign aggression. “The incursions happen all along Kenya’s borders, including Lake Victoria,” Amolo stated.
MP Mwale echoed similar sentiments, urging KDF to prioritise its core duty. “Let KDF stick to its mandate. Recently, five chiefs were abducted in Mandera and taken into Somalia. There is also the issue of Migingo, where Ugandan security forces continue to harass our fishermen and women in Kenyan waters. Why send our officers to Haiti when we cannot secure our own borders?” he posed.
Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera added that the military appeared to be shifting away from its constitutional role. “There is growing debate that KDF is veering off its core mandate by engaging in civilian projects that could easily be undertaken by local firms. Do you not see a conflict in this?” he questioned.
Defence Ministry Defends KDF’s Civilian Involvement
In response, Defence PS Patrick Mariru defended KDF’s participation in civilian projects, arguing that the Constitution allows the military to engage in such activities. “KDF is doing exceptional work, and people may be drawing conclusions from isolated incidents. KDF is committed to Kenya’s security, and we must be proud of their contributions,” he asserted.
Mariru further clarified that KDF’s involvement in civilian infrastructure projects is undertaken in coordination with the relevant government agencies. “We carry out these projects jointly, although the Department of Defence (DoD) takes the lead. We receive funds from the respective ministries for the projects we oversee, and this does not interfere with KDF’s core mandate,” he explained.
KDF’s Expanding Role in Civilian Projects
KDF has recently taken on multiple civilian projects, including road construction, humanitarian assistance, and infrastructure development. Under its road construction mandate, the military has built major highways and bridges, such as the expansive bridge in Narok. It has also partnered with other government ministries to improve transportation networks.
Additionally, KDF played a key role in refurbishing the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Kenya’s premier conference venue. Other initiatives include maritime projects and the construction of Nairobi’s Talanta Sports City, set to host the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Despite the government’s assurances, MPs remain sceptical, arguing that KDF’s increasing involvement in civilian affairs raises concerns about the military’s priorities. With growing insecurity along Kenya’s borders, lawmakers insist that national defence should take precedence over non-military ventures.
