The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced a nationwide recruitment drive.
Set to take place in October 2025, the recruitment targets various categories of service members including General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (Regular and Graduates), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen and women, and Defence Forces Constables.
According to a notice issued by the Ministry of Defence, the recruitment exercise is free and open to all eligible candidates.
The ministry also warned the public against bribery or corruption during the process.
“Engaging in bribery or any other form of corruption with the intent to influence the recruitment process is a criminal offence. Any individual found to be involved in recruitment-related malpractice will be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement read.
Is KDF application done online?
Interested candidates for GSO Cadets (Regular and Graduate), Specialist Officers, and Tradesmen/women are required to apply online by October 12, 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be notified through print media between October 21–24, 2025.
Recruitment for General Duty Recruits and Defence Forces Constables will be conducted physically at designated recruitment centres across the country by KDF teams drawn from the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
To qualify, applicants must be Kenyan citizens aged between 18 and 26 years for GSO Cadets and General Duty Recruits, and not above 30 years for Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women.
The must also hold a valid Kenyan National ID, with copies of academic certificates, KRA PIN, and ID required.
Requirements to join KDF
Minimum physical requirements include a height of 1.60m (men) and 1.52m (women), with corresponding minimum weights of 54.5 kg and 50 kg.
Female candidates must not be pregnant at the time of recruitment or during training.
Candidates must also meet medical and fitness standards, while Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women are required to have at least two years’ practicing experience in their respective fields.
Vacancies are available in various disciplines including engineering, medicine, ICT, education, finance, sports science, law, communications, hospitality, geology, and theology, among others.
Specialist positions are open for chaplains, imams, lawyers, doctors, nurses, and IT experts.
Academic qualifications range from KCSE mean grade of B (Plain)with specific subject passes for GSO Cadets, to Diploma or Certificate holders in technical fields for Tradesmen/women.
General Duty Recruits require a minimum of D (Plain) in KCSE, while Defence Forces Constables will be drawn from retired KDF or National Youth Service members meeting the set conditions.
Selected candidates will undergo final verification at designated training institutions before joining the forces.
