The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) launched its countrywide recruitment exercise on Monday, August 28. 

Throughout this process, KDF will handpick General Service Officer (GSO), Cadets (Regular and Graduate degree holders), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen/women, and Defence Forces Constables.

KDF warned candidates against engaging in practices aimed at influencing their chances of recruitment, maintaining that the process is free of charge.

While top KDF officials have addressed numerous questions about the recruitment, let’s focus on what happens at the recruitment centres during the selection process. 

1.Briefing by KDF Recruitment Officer

Upon arrival at the centers, the officer in charge of recruitment will address the candidates.

Each center has a recruitment officer in charge of the selection process.

During the briefing, the recruitment officer revisits some of the physical and academic requirements for the various posts and unveils the flow of events.

2.Verification of Original Academic and National Documents

KDF officers will verify the original academic and national documents of all the candidates.

The academic documents include KCSE and the degree certificates.

On the other hand, the national documents are National Identity (ID) Card and the KRA pin.

The verification ensures the document and original to prevent forgery.

Also, the academic documents are checked to ensure that candidates meet the minimum grades for the various positions.

3.Physical Exercise

Further, the candidates are subjected to some physical exercise to ensure they are physically fit.

This includes a minimum of 5km competitive run for all the candidates.

4.Medical Examination

The candidates undergo a medical checkup process conducted by medical officers from KDF.

This is to ensure that they meet the required height and weight and do not have underlying conditions that can affect their performance if selected.

Further, this is to ensure the candidates have no known medical condition.

According to KDF, candidates must be medically fit, and skin must be healthy devoid of large or deep scars and tattoos.

Further, the doctors establish the Body Mass Index (BMI) of all candidates.

Also., female candidates undergo a pregnancy test.

5.Awarding of Calling Letter

 Successful candidates receive calling letters at the recruitment centres from the recruiting Officers.

KDF warned the candidates against con people issuing fake calling letters away from a recruitment centre.

Also Read: Why KDF Rejects Stammerers, Short & Kenyans with Brown Teeth

Requirements for KDF Recruitment

According to KDF, Kenyans interested in joining the military must meet the following conditions and academic qualifications:

General Conditions

Be a Kenyan citizen.

Be a holder of a valid Kenyan National Identity (ID) Card. Additionally, the candidates must bring with them an original and four (4) copies of their National ID Card, KRA PIN Certificate and Academic certificates.

Regarding age, one must be between 18 and 26 years for GSO Cadets and General Duty Recruits, not above 30 years of age for Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women and not above 39 years of age for Chaplains/Imams.

Should not have a criminal record.

Physical requirements

According to KDF, candidates must be physically fit. In particular, men should be 1.60m (5ft 3in) tall with a minimum weight of 54.55kg.

On the other hand, KDF is looking for female candidates with a minimum height of 1.52m (5ft) and should weigh not less than 50kg.

In addition, for both men and women, the candidates must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of below 3. 

Also Read: KDF Boss Francis Ogolla Reveals His Life Outside Military

Moreover, female candidates must not be pregnant at the time of recruitment and during the entire duration of training.

In terms of medical, KDF said candidates must be medically fit and skin must be healthy devoid of large or deep scars and tattoos.

Besides, specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women should have a minimum of two (2) years practicing experience in their field of specialization from the date of registration with the relevant regulatory/statutory body in Kenya.

Minimum Academic Qualifications

General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets: Must hold a minimum mean grade of B (Plain) in KCSE with C+ (Plus) in English, Mathematics and one (1) Science subject. The training period for this category will cover three (3) years leading to a BSc degree in Defence and Security Studies upon completion.

General Service Officer (GSO) Cadet Graduate Degree Holders: Must hold the minimum requirement to qualify as GSO Cadet and be a bachelor’s degree holder from a recognized University/Institution. The training period for this category will be fifteen (15) months.

Specialist Officers: Must hold the minimum requirement to qualify as GSO Cadet except for Chaplains/Imams who must hold a minimum mean grade of C+ (Plus) in KCSE. Must be a degree holder from a recognized University/Institution and be registered with a regulatory/statutory body where applicable in any of the disciplines. The training period for Specialist Officers will be six (6) months.

Service Members (General Duty) Recruits: Must hold a minimum mean grade of D (Plain) in KCSE.

Tradesmen/women: Prospective candidates willing to apply must have a minimum mean grade of C (Plain) in KCSE, a relevant diploma or above from a recognized institution and be registered with the relevant statutory bodies, where applicable.

KDF will also consider candidates with a minimum mean grade of D+ (Plus) in KCSE and either a relevant Certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II from a recognized institution.