Socio-Economic Impacts Of Military Camps On Host Communities: A Case Of Moi Air Base Eastleigh, 1964-2008

Abstract

This project focused on the socio-economic impact of Moi Air Base to the local communities. The study sought to assess three hypotheses, first that Eastleigh Air Base was established due to its centrality in Kenya’s capital; secondly, that MAB has a policy on Military-Civilian interaction and thirdly that the presence of Eastleigh Airbase has led to enhanced security in the area.The outcome of this would be useful in filling the existing knowledge gap in civilian military relations while providing a basis for policy making. The study was guided by two theories. The Interdependence Theory, which supported my idea that there was a social exchange between Moi Air Base and the local community in terms of rewards and cost associated with any kind of interactive associations collaborated with what people expect. The theory emphasized the importance and effect of communication and interaction between MAB and the local community while the corporate social responsibility supported this research by emphasizing both the responsibility of the local population to make money and MABs interactive roles morally with the with the local communities. To get the findings I carried out interviews, observations, interacted with the community reviewed publications and records, while examining economic and demographic data to understand the social-economic impacts on the area and other demographics such as the youth and children in Eastleigh area. The study also looked at how the locals have impacted on the military base socio-economically. By so doing, the study hopes to bring out a better understanding of the influence of the military base in Eastleigh to the socio-economic development in the area and how the locals improved the socio-economic conditions of military bases installed near them. Based on my study, it is evident that local communities have a solid sense of attachment to Moi Air Base; the presence of MAB has had a major influence on the lives of local populations. Other than their military sanctioned role, Kenyan military bases often have corporate social responsibilities to the local communities around the bases. Corporate social responsibilities imply a situation whereby the military incorporates environmental and social concerns in their day to day activities and interaction with the local populations nearby on a voluntary basis. The base as an institution carries out many duties to the communities nearby as part of the military’s vision and mission. In general, these duties include planting of trees and provision of 6 health care to the local communities, engaging in rescue missions during times of national calamities and most importantly the Base employs over 5500 local civilians annually both as permanent and casual employees draws a big number of work force from the local civilian communities who work and run their facilities such as supermarkets, messes, canteens and bars. While others serve as house girls, casual workers, temporary contractors, tailors and cooks. An additional over 500 jobs are supported by the presence the base in the area. Apart from the employment opportunities, the local populations also enjoy and increasingly intermingle in non-segregated social facilities like bars, restaurants and places of worship placed inside or in areas nearby military bases. The increased interaction has come about with an increase in the number of civilians engaged in income generation activities in the base.