Uganda, DRC, Overtake Kenya in New Global Military Ranking
Kenya’s military, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), has been ranked as the 87th most powerful military in the world out of 145 countries.
According to Global Firepower, a statistics-based website that tracks defense systems annually, Kenya dropped 6 places after being ranked at position 81 in the 2022 rankings.
Egypt was ranked as the African country with the strongest military with a power index of 0.224, featuring at 14th position.
South Africa (33), Nigeria (36), Ethiopia (49), Angola (55), Morocco (61), Democratic Republic of Congo (72), Tunisia (73), Sudan (75), Libya (80) and Uganda (83) were all ranked ahead of Kenya in the defense power rankings.
Kenya featured ahead of Zambia (89), Zimbabwe (98), Cameroon (100), Tanzania (101), Ivory Coast (105), Ghana (109), Mali (110), Mozambique (112), Eritrea (113), South Sudan (116) and Niger (119).
The United States, Russia, China, India, and the United Kingdom were ranked as the countries with the top 5 strongest militaries in the world respectively.
Kenya’s Military
The report assessed the Kenyan Defense Forces (KDF) across various military parameters, assigning them specific scores.
In terms of financial strength, the KDF earned an impressive score of 95.3, indicating a solid financial foundation to support its operations.
When it comes to military manpower, they were rated at 78.7. In terms of specific capabilities, their airpower was rated at 77.9, showcasing a respectable presence in the skies. On the other hand, their Land Power received a score of 56.2.
To provide context, Egypt, which boasts the most formidable military in Africa, received a financial score of 104.2.
Their military manpower garnered a score of 134.2. Additionally, Egypt’s airpower and land power were rated at 117.3 and 138.4, respectively.
Regarding the size of the soldier population and the number of aircraft, the KDF ranked 27th and 51st out of the 145 featured countries, respectively.
Furthermore, in terms of artillery capabilities, the KDF was positioned at 65th place. In terms of purchasing power for military equipment and resources, the KDF secured the 63rd spot.
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Air Power
The Kenyan air power ranks better than most of its African counterparts.
With a total of 156 aircraft, Kenya has Fighters and Interceptors (17), Helicopters (87), Transport (fixed-wings) (19), Trainers (31), and Special Missions (2).
The country’s Air Force has recorded an increase in the number of its flights, up from 151 fleets in 2022.
Land Power
The Global Firepower website states that Kenya’s army has 111 tanks, 5,800 armored vehicles, 18 self-propelled artillery and 53 Towed Artillery.
Naval Power
On the waters, Kenya has 23 total assets with 7 patrol vessels. The Global Power report stated the country has no Aircraft and Helicopter Carriers, no Destroyers, and no Submarines.
Uganda, DRC, Overtake Kenya in New Global Military Ranking