The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced recruitment for General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits and Tradesmen and women in December 2026.
In a notice on November 12, KDF said the exercise would cover both regular and graduate officer cadets, as well as candidates seeking to join the military through specialist and technical positions.
“The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is pleased to announce to the public the upcoming recruitment of General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (Regular and Graduates), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits and Tradesmen/women which is scheduled to take place in the month of December 2026,” read part of the announcement.
Applicants must be Kenyan citizens with valid national identity cards and have no criminal records.
Candidates will also be required to present their original documents alongside four copies of their National ID cards, KRA PIN certificates and academic certificates.
The age requirements vary depending on the recruitment category:
- Regular GSO Cadets: 18 to 23 years.
- Graduate GSO Cadets: 18 to 26 years.
- General Duty Recruits: 18 to 26 years.
- Tradesmen and women: 18 to 26 years.
- Specialist Officers: Not above 30 years.
- Medical Consultants: Not above 35 years.
- Chaplains and Imams: Not above 39 years.
- Catechists and Maalims: Not above 35 years.
KDF has also set minimum physical requirements, including a height of 1.60 metres for men and 1.52 metres for women.
Male candidates must weigh at least 54.55 kilogrammes, while female applicants must weigh at least 50 kilogrammes.
Applicants must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of between 18.5 and 30.0. Female candidates must not be pregnant during recruitment or throughout the training period.
All candidates must meet the military’s medical fitness standards.
Academic Qualifications for KDF Recruitment
The academic requirements differ depending on the position applicants intend to pursue.
1. Regular General Service Officer Cadets
Applicants must have a minimum KCSE mean grade of B (Plain), with at least C+ in English, Mathematics and one Science subject.
Successful candidates will undergo three years of training, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Defence and Security Studies.
2. Graduate General Service Officer Cadets
Applicants must meet the academic requirements for regular GSO Cadets and hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or institution in a discipline specified by KDF.
The training period for graduate cadets will be 15 months.
3. Specialist Officers
Candidates must have a minimum KCSE mean grade of B (Plain), including C+ in English, Mathematics and one Science subject.
They must also hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised institution and be registered with the relevant regulatory or statutory body, where applicable.
Chaplains and Imams are exempted from the B (Plain) requirement but must have a minimum KCSE mean grade of C+ and meet the specific professional qualifications.
Specialist Officers will undergo seven months of military training.
4. General Duty Recruits
Applicants must have a minimum KCSE mean grade of D (Plain).
Candidates who have successfully completed National Youth Service (NYS) training and meet the general recruitment requirements will have an added advantage.
5. Tradesmen and Women
For diploma-level positions, applicants must have a minimum KCSE mean grade of C- (Minus), a relevant diploma or higher qualification from a recognised institution and registration with the relevant statutory body, where applicable.
For certificate-level positions, candidates must have a minimum KCSE mean grade of D+ (Plus) and either a relevant certificate accompanied by Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft Certificate II from a recognised institution.
Full List of Vacancies and Required Qualifications
| Recruitment category | Vacancies / Areas of specialisation | Minimum qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Regular GSO Cadets | General Service Officer Cadets | KCSE mean grade B (Plain), with C+ in English, Mathematics and one Science subject |
| Graduate GSO Cadets | Disaster Management and Security Studies | Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Disaster Management, Security Studies, Forensics, Peace and Conflict Studies or related fields |
| Engineering | Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction, planning, environmental science, mechatronics and related disciplines | |
| Education | B.Ed. Arts or Sciences | |
| Finance, Business and HR | Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, Audit, Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain, Business or HR Management | |
| Geology and GIS | Bachelor’s degree in Geology, GIS, Remote Sensing or Geospatial Engineering | |
| Hospitality and Catering | Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Food Production or Catering | |
| ICT | Bachelor’s degree in Software, Hardware, Cybersecurity, Network Engineering, AI, Information Science or Applied Statistics, with relevant certifications | |
| Strategic Communication | Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, Film Production or Graphic Design | |
| Other professional fields | Library Studies, Sports Science, Strategic Management, Public Administration and Agroforestry | |
| Specialist Officers | Chaplaincy | Bachelor’s degree in Theology or Islamic Studies, with additional religious leadership requirements |
| Legal | LLB, admission as an Advocate of the High Court and a valid practising certificate | |
| Medical | MBChB, BDS, BSc Nursing or B.Pharm | |
| Medical Consultants | Master’s degree in Internal Medicine or Radiology | |
| Tradesmen and Women – Diploma Holders | Music, Theology and Education | Diploma in Music, Theology, Religious Studies, Education or Applied Linguistics |
| Engineering and Construction | Diplomas in Architecture, Building Technology, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Marine Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Land Surveying and related fields | |
| ICT | Diplomas in Software Development, Systems Development, Networking, Cybersecurity, AI, Data Analysis and related fields, with relevant certifications | |
| Strategic Communication | Diploma in Journalism, Mass Communication, Audio Engineering, Animation, Film Production, Graphic Design or Photography | |
| Health Technology | Diploma in Clinical Medicine, Nursing, Pharmaceutical Technology, Physiotherapy, Medical Imaging or related fields | |
| Other technical fields | Legal Studies, Vehicle Mechanics, Cartography and Laundry Technology | |
| Tradesmen and Women – Artisans | Technical and construction trades | Automotive Electrical, Carpentry, Masonry, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Installation, Plant Operations and Plumbing |
| Mechanical and manufacturing trades | Plant Electromechanics, Vehicle Mechanics and Welding/Fabrication | |
| Other artisan trades | Tailoring, Painting, Decoration, Signwriting, Catering and Accommodation | |
| Driving | NTSA driving licence Class BCE |
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