Logistics And Preparedness Of The Eastern Africa Standby Force For Peace Support Operations

ABSTRACT

Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) is one of the sub-regional forces of the African Standby Force (ASF) whose objective is to maintain regional peace and security. EASF structure is composed of three main branches, namely the EASF Headquarters, the Logistics Base and the Planning Elements. The EASF had purposed to achieve full operational capability by developing an operationally ready, multidimensional integrated Standby Force, equipped and ready for deployment by 2015, having attained initial operational capability in 2010. However, whether this has been achieved is still debatable. The Force has been faced with many challenges in its endeavor to be fully operational. The general objective of the study was to determine the relationship between logistics and the preparedness of the EASF for Peace Support Operations. The specific objectives of the study were: to establish the relationship between personnel logistics and preparedness of the EASF for Peace Support Operations, determine the impact of facilities and related services on for Peace Support Operations EASF, and determine the impact of equipment readiness on preparedness of the EASF for Peace Support Operations. Descriptive research design was adopted as it enabled the collection of relevant data which helped in answering the questions concerning the topic of study. The target population for the study was EASF planning element staff based in Karen Nairobi. Simple random sampling was used in selecting 50 military staff, 14 civilian staff and 5 police staff which formed 69 sample size from the target population. Semi structured questionnaire was used in data collection. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and narrations from open ended questions. The study found that logistics played a pivotal role in preparedness of EASF. Proper logistics for personnel, facilities and related services and equipment readiness had significant relations to the preparedness of EASF for peace support operations. Limited funds, environmental issues, lack of airlifts and adequate shipping transportation means, Personnel logistics, lack of sophisticated and high level technological equipment were challenges affecting the preparedness of EASF. The study recommends more cohesion among member states in supporting EASF through funding and pledged forces and equipment. The study further recommended improvement in participation of police and civilian components in most of the operation. Lastly the study recommended the need for enhancing early warning systems and acquisition of high level technologies equipment that can outdo those of the negative forces.