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.
The lowest rank among officers is that of a Second Lieutenant (2Lt) attained upon commissioning from the Kenya Military Academy while the highest rank is that of a General, (four-star).
At any one given time, KDF has only one four-star General who is Chief of the Defence Forces.
The officers’ ranks are displayed on the shoulder.
The KDF has a meritocracy system where one has to pass promotional examinations, be disciplined and have integrity to be considered for the next rank. Below is the insignia of the Commissioned Officers.
