Kenneth East was born 9 May 1921, the son of H. F. East; he was educated at Taunton’s School and Southampton University. In 1946 he married Katherine Blackley.

After serving in the Armed Forces, 1942-46, East's career included: India Office/Commonwealth Relations Office, 1946-50; Assistant Private Secretary to Secretary of State; First Secretary: Ottawa [Canada], 1950-53; Colombo [Sri Lanka], 1956-60; Head of East and General Africa Department, CRO, 1961-63; Head of Personnel Department, CRO, 1963-64; Counsellor, Diplomatic Service Administration, 1965; Counsellor and Head of Chancery, Oslo [Norway], 1965-70; Minister, Lagos [Nigeria], 1970-74; Ambassador to Iceland, 1975-81.

East was awarded the CMG in 1971.