The Kenya Defence Force (KDF) is one of Kenya’s security arms in charge of the country’s warfare on Land, Sea and Air. The primary objective of the KDF is to DEFEND and PROTECT the SOVEREIGNTY and territorial INTEGRITY of the Republic of Kenya.
About Kenya Defence Force – KDF Ranks
The KDF rank system is a hierarchical relationship that provides a system of leadership that indicates a soldier’s level of expertise, responsibility and authority. Each level of leadership has a significant role in the total KDF mission.
KDF ranks have adopted a distinct two-tier system of Officers and Service Members. Officers are at the top of the hierarchy and are granted commission by the Commander-in-Chief, thus referred to as commissioned officers and service members are referred to as Other Rank Officers.
Ranks are displayed on the shoulder of each KDF member. The KDF has a meritocracy system where one has to pass promotional examinations, be disciplined and have the integrity to be considered for the next rank.
Types of Ranks in the KDF
The Kenya Defence Force is made up of two distinct ranks across all three arms (Army, Airforce, and Navy). These are;
- Commissioned Ranks (Officer Ranks)
- Service Members Ranks (Other Ranks)
Read Also: Kenya Air Force Ranks
Ranks in the Kenya Army – Officers Ranks
Below is a list of commissioned officers’ ranks in the Kenya Army in order of superiority;
- General
- Lieutenant General
- Major General
- Brigadier
- Colonel
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Major
- Captain
- Second Lieutenant
KDF Officers Ranks and Insignias
Ranks in the Kenya Army – Other Ranks
Below is a list of Service Members’ ranks also known as other ranks in the Kenya Army in order of superiority;
- Warrant Officer Class I
- Warrant Officer Class II
- Senior Sergeant
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Lance Corporal
Read Also: Public Servants Payslips Online
KDF Other Ranks and Insignias
Kenya Defence Force Contact Information
THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
Ministry of Defence
Ulinzi House , Lenana Road
P O Box 40668 – 00100 Nairobi
Telephone No: 2712054
Fax No: 2722270
Working Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.