The East Kent Militia, based in Kent, England, was one of a number of county-based irregular military units designed to provide, during times of international tension, homeland security, relief of regular troops from routine garrison duties, and a source of trained officers and men for the regular Army. Formed in 1760 it was amalgamated in 1881 into the The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).

The East Kent Militia Regiment was formed in Canterbury, Kent in 1760 and was successively designated the 1st or East Kent Militia (1793), the 57th or East Kent Militia (1803) and the 49th or East Kent Militia (1833). In 1876 it was split into two battalions.

In 1881, reorganisation of the Army as part of the Childers Reforms meant that militia regiments generally became the third battalions in local line regiments. Accordinly the two East Kent battalions became the 3rd and 4th Battalions of The Buffs (East Kent Regiment), although the 4th Battalion was subsequently (1888) merged into the 3rd.

After the Haldane Reforms of 1907 the Militia units were wound up and their men transferred to the new 'Special Reserve'. This was active on coastal defence during World War I, as well as providing a source of recruits for the regiments fighting in France. After the war they were disembodied (stood down), not activated in World War II and formally dissolved, including the 3rd Battalion of the Buffs, in 1953.

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