KDF Announces Nationwide Recruitment: How to Apply

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced a nationwide recruitment drive set to begin in October 2025.

The campaign invites 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 Defence Forces Constables.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the application window for select categories is open until October 12, 2025, with physical recruitment exercises scheduled to follow shortly afterward.

Positions Open for Recruitment

• General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Regular
• General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Graduate
• Specialist Officers
• General Duty Recruits
• Tradesmen/Women
• Defence Forces Constables

How to Apply

Online Applications (Mandatory)

Applicants for the following categories must apply online via the official KDF recruitment portal: https://recruit.mod.go.ke

Application Deadline is October 12, 2025, while shortlisting will take place October 21–24, 2025 (in national print media only)

Only online applications will be accepted for these categories.

Also Read: Why Lobby Group Wants Recruitment of 10,000 Police Officers Halted

Recruitment for General Duty Recruits and Defence Forces Constables will be conducted in-person at designated centres, with schedules released separately by the Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, and Kenya Air Force.

The Kenya Defence Forces warns the public that no payment is required at any stage of the recruitment process.

Bribery, canvassing, or any corrupt practices will result in arrest and prosecution.

To report recruitment-related malpractice, contact the nearest police station, military camp, or call: 0726 419 706/0726 419 709

General Eligibility Requirements

Citizenship & Identification

Kenyan citizen with valid National ID

Must present original documents + 4 copies of:

• National ID
• KRA PIN Certificate
• Academic Certificates

Age Limits

18–26 years: GSO Cadets (Regular & Graduate), General Duty Recruits

Not above 30 years: Specialist Officers, Tradesmen/Women

Not above 39 years: Chaplains/Imams

Constables:

Retired KDF: 30–55 years

Retired NYS: 35–45 years

You should also not have a criminal record.

Physical Standards

Minimum Height:

• Men: 1.60m (5’3″)
• Women: 1.52m (5’0″)

Minimum Weight:

• Men: 54.55kg (120 lb)
• Women: 50.00kg (110 lb)

BMI: Must be below 30

Female candidates must not be pregnant at the time of recruitment or training and must meet KDF medical standards. 

Also Read: How to Prepare for Police Recruitment Physical Fitness Test

Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women must have at least two (2) years’ experience after registration with a statutory body.

Selected candidates will undergo verification at KDF training institutions.

Minimum Academic Qualifications

General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Regular

• KCSE Mean Grade B (Plain)
• C+ (Plus) in English, Mathematics, and one Science subject
• Training: 3 years, leading to a BSc in Defence & Security Studies

GSO Cadets – Graduate

• Meet Regular GSO Cadet requirements
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines
• Training: 15 months

Specialist Officers

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• Must be registered with a statutory body (where applicable)
• Training: 6 months
• Chaplains/Imams: KCSE Mean Grade C+ plus theological qualifications

General Duty Recruits

• KCSE Mean Grade D (Plain)
• NYS graduates meeting criteria have an added advantage

Tradesmen/Women

• Diploma holders:
• KCSE Mean Grade C (Plain)
• Relevant Diploma and statutory registration
• Certificate holders (Artisans):
• KCSE Mean Grade D+ (Plus)
• Relevant Trade Test Grade II or Craft II Certificate

Defence Forces Constables

• Retired KDF personnel:
• Honourable discharge, minimum 9 years of service
• Retired NYS members:
• Discharge certificate rated “Good”

Vacancy Categories

(a) GSO Cadets – Graduate Disciplines

• Disaster Management / Security Studies
• Engineering (all disciplines)
• Education (various subjects)
• Finance, Business, HR
• Geology, GIS, Remote Sensing
• Hospitality & Catering
• ICT (Cybersecurity, AI, Robotics, Software)
• Journalism, Film, Strategic Communication
• Library & Information Science
• Community Development
• Sports Science

(b) Specialist Officers

• Marine/Naval Engineering
• Civil/Structural Engineering
• ICT (AI, Robotics, Software)
• Law (LL.B, CPS advantageous)
• Medicine, Nursing, Dental
• Chaplaincy / Imams
• Finance, Accounting, Banking

(c) Tradesmen/Women

Diploma holders:

• Music, Theology, Education, Engineering, ICT, Communication, Medical, Finance
• Artisans (Certificate holders):
• Automotive, Carpentry, Electrical, Welding, Plumbing, Tailoring, Catering, Painting, etc.

KDF is encouraging all qualified Kenyans to take this opportunity to serve their nation with honor and integrity.

All applicants are reminded to follow official communication channels and avoid any unofficial intermediaries.

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