In this article, we are going to highlight the order of army ranks from the Lowest to the Highest in Kenya. Our Miltary structure is the same as that of the British Army since we are all members of the Commonwealth of Nations. We have listed the period one needs to attain in order to be given the respective rank and their combat uniforms.
Kenya Army Ranks
1. Private
This is the lowest rank in the Kenya Army. One achieves it after completion of Phase 1 training.
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2. Corporal
This rank is achieved after attaining 6-8 years in the military. Ability to lead is highly considered in order to get this rank, corporals are given command of more soldiers and equipment such as tanks and guns.
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3. Sergeant
This rank is achieved after attaining 12 years in the military. Sergeants are second in command of a troop of up to 35 soldiers, with a responsibility for advising and assisting junior officers in the mission.
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4. Senior Sergeant
One attains this rank after serving as a sergeant for a few years. A senior sergeant commands up to 120 soldiers.
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5. Warrant Officer II
Warrant Officer II is involved in a senior management role focusing on the training, welfare, and discipline of up to 120 soldiers. They mostly act as senior adviser to the Major in command of the sub-unit and may also be selected for a commission as an Officer.
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6. Warrant Officer I
This is the most senior soldier rank in the Army and it’s achieved after 18 years of outstanding service in the military.They are the senior advisors of their unit’s Commanding Officer, leading up to 650 officers and soldiers.
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Also Read: Qualifications For a Cadet in Kenya
Kenya Army Officers
1. Officer Cadet
This rank is held during initial officer training at Lanet.
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2. Second Lieutenant
This rank is held on commissioning and held for up to 3 years. They are responsible for leading up to 30 soldiers in a troop, both in training and on a mission.
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3. Lieutenant
Lieutenants command a troop of up to 30 soldiers, but with experience comes increased responsibilities than second Lieutenants. This rank is held for 3 years in the military.
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4. Captain
They are second in command of a subunit of up to 120 soldiers. They are majorly involved in the planning and decision-making process with tactical responsibility for operations on the ground as well as equipment maintenance, logistic support, and manpower.
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5. Major
This rank is attained after 8-10 years in military service. Majors command a sub-unit of up to 120 officers and soldiers with key responsibility of training them and administration of the camp operations.
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6. Lieutenant Colonel
They command units of up to 650 soldiers, containing four or five sub-units for 2 years. They are responsible for the overall management of the units.
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7.Colonel
They serve as staff officers between field commands at brigade level.
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8. Brigadier
Brigadiers command a brigade or sometimes are chosen as directors of operational capability groups such as a director of staff.
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9. Major General
They are responsible for senior staff appointments.
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10. Lieutenant General
This is second most superior rank in the Kenyan military after the General. Currently, the position is held by Lt. General Robert Kariuki Kibochi.
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11. General
This is the most superior rank in the Kenya Army. He is responsible most senior appointments such as the Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of the General Staff. The position is currently held by Samson Mwathethe.
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