Influence of Pre – Retirement Training Programme Content on Integrating Kenya Defence Forces Service Members in the Society in Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Abstract

In western countries, in as much as there is a good amount of literature on transition of military members to retirement from the general population, there is very relevant gap in literature with regard to the transition of military members to retirement. The main attention of most available literature is basically the transition to retirement of military employees who are already trained in precise skills and this helps them integrate well into civilian society. These are financial, health and emotional effects of retirement. In the less developed countries, retired service members like in the Kenya Defence Forces who are among in the list of poorest people among the society together with the old people. Pre-retirement education and counseling are among a few pre-retirement programmes names that have either the group approach or individual approach features. This study intended to investigate all four sub-counties service members’ retirees from Kirinyaga County to establish the influence of pre-retirement training programme content on integrating retired KDF service members in the society. Systematic random sampling method was employed using both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Sample size was chosen using the Stat Trek’s Random Number generator which determines sample size based on a standard formula on the target population of three hundred sixty-one (361). The size obtained is one hundred and fifty-two (152) extracted from Stat Trek’s Random Number Generator and calculator table for a population size of 361. The study also sought opinion of county administrators and military commanders at lower formations. The study used questionnaires, interviews guides, survey and previous Kenya Defence Forces quarterly and annual reports were utilized to collect information. SPSS was used to analyze the data collected. The data was presented using frequencies, percentages and means. The study found that training materials, modes and methods of delivery, acquired skills, Trainer’s competence, family support, social support system and Post trauma stress disorders significantly influence integrating of service member in the society. Training materials are found to have little influence on integrating members in the society .The study finding will be of value to academic community in establishing policies and regulations to cope with the problem of integrating in the society of service members. The study recommends that KDF should put in place a reviewed pre- retirement training programme that addresses the necessary knowledge and skills required by the relatives before retirement. The finding also presents to amplify the need of formal or informal training to potential retirees.