During the start of the First World War, most of the British troops in the Kings’ African Rifles consisted of Indian Army troops. However, more African troops were recruited to the KAR as the war went on. It was noted that European and Indian troops were not faring as well as their African counterparts. This created further impetus for the expansion of African recruitment.

Whilst Kenya was the main source of recruitment, Uganda was also looked on especially in the late stages of the war.