The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) rank system is a structure that establishes a leadership hierarchy and identifies a soldier’s degree of training, accountability, and authority.
Every leadership level plays a vital part in the KDF’s overall mission of defending and protecting Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
How is KDF structured?
According to KDF, officers and service members make up the two main tiers of the KDF rank structure.
Officers, sometimes known as commissioned officers, are at the top of the hierarchy and are appointed by the commander-in-chief.
“The lowest rank among officers is that of a second lieutenant 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 KDF stated.
To be considered for the next position in the meritocratic KDF, one must pass promotional exams and exhibit integrity, discipline, and self-control.
KDF allowances
KDF officers enjoy handsome allowances while on peace missions. Those living in the barracks enjoy several benefits, like buying commodities at half the market price.
Business Daily reported that those on a mission in Somalia fighting al-Shabaab earn monthly allowances of KSh 84,296.
The officers’ ranks are displayed on the shoulder. Below are the salaries of KDF officers, as reported by Military Africa.
Kenya Army ranks
Kenya army ranks
Monthly salary Cadet (in training) KSh 7,172
Private KSh 19,941 to KSh 30,000
Lance corporal KSh 26,509 to KSh 50,000
Corporal KSh 32,250 to KSh 70,000
Captain KSh 73,182 to KSh 110,000
Major KSh 102,106 to KSh 150,000
Lieutenant colonels and brigadiers KSh 130,735 to KSh 180,000
Colonel KSh 153,317 to KSh 300,000
Lieutenant general KSh 632,984 to KSh 800,000
General KSh 894,897 to KSh 1.2 million (KSh 336,00 allowances)
Kenya Airforce ranks
Rank Salary
Air vice Marshal KSh 927,500 (inclusive of KSh 695,625 basic salary & KSh 278,250 allowances.
Air commodore KSh 906,014
Wing commander KSh 153,117
Squadron leader KSh 130,735
Flight lieutenant KSh 102,106
Flying officer KSh 73,182
Corporal KSh 32,250
Leading aircraftman II KSh 26,509
Leading aircraftman KSh 19,941
Kenya Navy ranks
Kenya Navy ranks Salary
Kenya Navy commander KSh 902,432
Admiral KSh 695,625 basic salary plus KSh 278,250 allowance
Commodore KSh 906,014
Captain KSh 153,317
Commander KSh 130,735
Lieutenant KSh 102,106
Midshipman KSh 73,182
Able seaman KSh 32,250
Leading seaman KSh 26,509
Junior seaman KSh 19,941
Read more: https://www.tuko.co.ke/business-economy/545584-list-kenya-defence-forces-ranks-salaries-allowance/