Nakuru County hosts three military barracks namely Lanet, Gilgil and Kenyatta also known as Westcom or Western Command.

But despite these Barracks, many locals still know little about the Military ranks and how they are bestowed.

Mtaa Wangu met a former Military officer Raymond Cheruiyot, who after 30 years in service retired in 2008 and settled at his rural home in Ogilgei, Mosop Ward, Rongai sub county.

Cheruiyot who also served in both Lanet and Gilgil Barracks reveals that most military service men and women join as cadets.

“They then rise in various ranks depending on their capability and military promotional examinations that are done every 18 months,” Mr Cheruiyot says.

He notes that one has to pass the exams, meet the discipline and integrity required as service men and women.

He adds that the lowest rank among officers is that of a Second Lieutenant (2Lt) which is attained upon commissioning from the Kenya Military Academy while the highest rank is that of a General.

Other ranks include Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier, Major General, Lieutenant General.

At any one given time, KDF has only one four-star General who is the Chief of the Defence Forces.

Other officers under the Non-commissioned ranks include; Warrant officer 1, Warrant Officer 2, Senior Sergeant, Sergeant, Corporal, Lance Corporal.

According to Cheruiyot who retired at the rank of Colonel, the KDF rank system is a hierarchical relationship that provides a system of leadership indicating a soldier’s level of expertise, responsibility and authority.

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Explainer: What are the different military ranks and how are they attained?

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Pristone Mambili