The unit was transferred from Naivasha to Mombasa in 1979 and it was the result of a plan mooted in 1977 to form a second field artillery unit hence the assigned '77'. The battalion was based in Nyali Barracks from 1979-1989 when it was relocated to Mariakani Barracks. It is believed that Kenya's first self-propelled artillery guns were assigned to this field unit and were spotted with this unit in southern Somalia.
