The Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri has issued a warning to Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel ahead of the nationwide recruitment exercise.
The 2025 recruitment exercise is scheduled to take place across all counties from October 13 to October 25, 2025.
Speaking during a briefing session at Defense Headquarters, Nairobi, on Thursday, October 9, General Kahariri urged recruitment officers to uphold integrity, transparency, and professionalism during the exercise.
The CDF reminded officers that the trust and confidence of Kenyans in the military depend on a fair and merit-based process.
CDF Kahariri fires a warning to KDF recruiters
He further warned that any officer found engaging in activities that disparage the conduct of the exercise of an immediate and severe disciplinary action, adding that corruption undermines national security by compromising the quality of personnel joining the KDF.
“The reputation of the KDF has been built over decades of discipline and service to the nation,” said General Kahariri.
“This exercise must reflect our core values of integrity, patriotism, and excellence. Technology is now at the heart of our recruitment process, and it is our duty to ensure it is used effectively to eliminate human interference and corruption.”
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At the same time, General Kahariri noted that KDF has incorporated technology in the recruitment process to further enhance verification of applicants and eliminate avenues for malpractice.
He concluded by reminding officers that the public is watching and expects the KDF to remain a symbol of integrity and national unity.
Commander of the Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Ketter, echoed the CDF’s sentiments, stressing the critical role of recruitment officers as the first link between the KDF and the public.
Ketter urged recruiting officers to ensure successful candidates are selected purely on merit.
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On his part, Assistant Chief of Defense Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics, Major General Edward Rugendo, highlighted that digital data management systems would be used to record recruitment progress in real time, thus guaranteeing fairness across all stations.
Their remarks come after KDF invited qualified Kenyan citizens to apply for positions across various military departments, including General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen/women, and Defense Forces Constables.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the application window for select categories is open until October 12, 2025, with physical recruitment exercises scheduled to follow shortly afterward.
How to Apply
Applicants for the GSO Cadets, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, and Tradesmen/women categories must apply online via the official KDF recruitment portal: https://recruit.mod.go.ke.
The application deadline is October 12, while shortlisting will take place from October 21 to 24, 2025 (in national print media only). Only online applications will be accepted for these categories.
Recruitment for General Duty Recruits and Defense Forces Constables will be conducted in person at designated centers, with schedules released separately by the Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, and Kenya Air Force.
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