The British colonial administrations in East Africa relied throughout their existence predominantly on military units recruited among Africans and commanded by Europeans.

Its creation was partly intended as a means to control settlers' political aspirations.

It was originally designated Kenya Regiment (Territorial Force) and subsequently expanded, also recruiting white settlers in Uganda Protectorate.

[3] At the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the unit's personnel were re-allocated to the KAR and Northern Rhodesia Regiment.

[2] According to the historian Huw Bennett, "the army high command only partially managed to impose discipline on the Kenya Regiment, and relied upon them for local knowledge".