The Kenya Army was originally called the King’s African Rifles which served under the British Colonial Forces before independence but later changed name. The Kenya army has several infantry units among them the Kenya Rifles Battalions which are spread across the Republic of Kenya. The Kenya Rifles Battalions include;
- 3 Kenya Rifles (3 KR)
This is the oldest Kenyan Battalion and has been very instrumental in the protection and policing of the East African territories notably the Shifta war against Somali between 1963 and 1967. The battalion is currently based at Lanet, Nakuru.
The 3 KR has not only protected the Kenyan territories but has also played a supporting role many civil activities and ceremonial duties.
- 5 Kenya Rifles (5 KR)
This Battalion is based at Gilgil. 5 KR was the first battalion to be deployed to the North Eastern Province in the 1960s to counter the aggressive expansionist policy insurgency by the then newly independent Somali. Its efforts bore fruits and among the officers who took part rose through the military ranks. Notably is Major Lenges who became Army Commander.
See also: Kenya Army Headquarters-HQ KA Components And Duties
- 7 Kenya Rifles (7 KR)
This battalion was founded in 1968 and where it was first based at Gilgil only to later move to their current Base in Langata. It has produced very senior ranked officers among them Gen Lenges and a one-time director of the Kenya National Security Intelligence Service (NSIS).
- 1 Kenya Rifles (1 KR)
1 Kenya Rifles was formed initially as 11th Kenya Africa Rifles which fought in World War 2 but was deemed as very expensive. It was brought back to aid in the Shifta War in North Eastern Kenya.
It is accredited with the formulation of Present-day anti-banditry operations seeing as it was deployed in the Shifta –struck areas like Isiolo, Garbatulla and Merti that now have patrol bases.
One of the major achievements of the 1 KR is the recovery of a huge number of assorted weapons and ammunition in 1996 under Boka Wells Operations.
- 9 Kenya Rifles ( 9KR)
The 9th battalion was formed in 1979. It drew its members from already existing Kenya Rifles Battalion as the initial formation formula.
The battalion is based at Moi Barracks near Eldoret and was first presented with her colors in 1980 by the then president Daniel Moi
- 15 Kenya Rifles (15 KR)
This is the youngest infantry unit of the Kenya Army. It is commonly known as the Nyali Bare racks and is based at northern mainland, Nyali beach. It was formed in 1989 with the main aim of have an infantry unit that can be deployed with other UN peace Keeping missions. It is comprised of 4 riffle companies, Support Company and the Headquarter Company.
The Kenya Rifles Battalion is one of the oldest and moreover it is tasked with the major role of protecting the security of the nation both internally and externally.
The strategic placement of the Kenya Rifles bases across the country ensures that they can be able to coordinate in giving timely responses to crises at whatever part of the nation is happens.
3kr is not in Nanyuki but lanet