Military expenditures:
1.3% of GDP
(2019)
1.22% of GDP
(2018)
1.32% of GDP
(2017)
1.32% of GDP
(2016)
1.32% of GDP
(2015)
country comparison to the world (CIA rank, may be based on non-current data):
94
[see also: Military expenditures country ranks ]
Military forces:
Kenya Defence Forces: Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, Kenya Air Force
(2019)
note: the National Police Service includes a paramilitary General Service Unit
Military service age and obligation:
18-26 years of age for male and female voluntary service (under 18 with parental consent), with a 9-year obligation (7 years for Kenyan Navy) and subsequent 3-year reenlistments; applicants must be Kenyan citizens and provide a national identity card (obtained at age 18) and a school-leaving certificate, and undergo a series of mental and physical examinations; women serve under the same terms and conditions as men; mandatory retirement at age 55 but personnel leaving before this age remain in a reserve status until they reach age 55 unless they were removed for disciplinary reasons; there is no active military reserve, although the Ministry of Defence has stated its desire to create one as recently as 2017
(2019)
Maritime threats:
The International Maritime Bureau reports that shipping in territorial and offshore waters in the Indian Ocean remain at risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships, especially as Somali-based pirates extend their activities south; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen.
Military - note:
The Kenya Coast Guard Service (established 2018) is separate from the Defence Forces, but led by a military officer and comprised of personnel from the military, as well as the National Police Service, intelligence services, and other government agencies.
(2019)
