The Implications of emerging technologies on civil military relations: a case of Kenya’s national security since 2010

Abstract

Emerging technologies have disrupted the operations of civil-military relations, which have in turn impacted the national security of states in a rapid technological evolution. Despite efforts to adapt to these developments, there remains a substantial gap in comprehensive understanding how new technologies affect civil-military interactions, particularly in the context of national security. This research investigates the impact of emerging technologies on civil-military relations, with a specific focus on the historical evolution of these relations since 2010. The study had three objectives; first, to analyze the nature of civil-military relations in Kenya, since 2010; second, to investigate the extent to which emerging technologies have impacted these relations since the adoption of the 2010 Constitution; and third, to assess how the effects of emerging technologies on these relations have affected Kenya’s national security. Using agency theory and critical theory of technology, this research adopted exploratory research design. The sampling population consisted of military personnel, technology practitioners in national security, and policy experts. Data collection involved both primary and secondary sources within Nairobi area, with primary data gathered through in-depth interviews and structured questionnaires, while secondary data was sourced from reports, academic journals, books, and other relevant publications. Seventeen (17) respondents with five key informants were engaged in this research. Lastly, the research applied thematic analysis to analyze the information and data collected. The study reveals that emerging technologies have introduced both opportunities and tensions, including concerns around transparency, accountability, and militarization of civilian space. Findings indicate that while technology has enabled better and efficient response to threats and national security, it has also blurred the traditional roles between civil and military actors. By examining these issues, this research provides valuable insights into the interplay between emerging technologies and civil-military relations in Kenya, ultimately informing policy recommendations that enhance national security in an increasingly complex technological environment. Ultimately, the study contributes to knowledge by shedding light on pertinent matters mentioned above, while recommending the need to increase research and innovation, ethical regulatory frameworks and collaboration in use of emerging technologies. The study suggests potential areas of further research gaps including a need to study the foreign influence in national digital sovereignty in the advent of emerging technologies and future research including a comparative analysis with another state.