The Ministry of Defence, on behalf of the Republic of Kenya, has officially announced the recruitment of new personnel into the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
The exercise, scheduled for October 2025, aims to enlist General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (Regular and Graduate), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen and Women, as well as Defence Forces Constables.
This opportunity offers patriotic Kenyans the chance to serve their country in national defence while building fulfilling careers in the armed forces.
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The Ministry has reminded applicants that the recruitment process is absolutely free, warning that any involvement in bribery, corruption, or malpractice will result in arrest and prosecution.
General Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be Kenyan citizens with valid national ID cards.
- Present original and four certified copies of their ID, KRA PIN, and academic certificates.
- Meet age limits depending on the category:
- 18–26 years for GSO Cadets and General Duty Recruits.
- Not above 30 years for Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women.
- Not above 39 years for Chaplains/Imams.
- Have no criminal record.
- Meet physical fitness standards:
- Men: Minimum height 1.60m, weight 54.55kg.
- Women: Minimum height 1.52m, weight 50kg.
- BMI not exceeding 30.
- Female candidates must not be pregnant during recruitment and training.
- Be medically fit according to KDF standards.
Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women must also have at least two years of professional experience in their fields after registration with relevant statutory bodies.
Vacancies and Qualifications
The recruitment covers a wide range of categories:
1. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Regular
- KCSE mean grade of B (Plain) with C+ in English, Mathematics, and one science subject.
- Three years of training, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Defence and Security Studies.
2. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Graduate
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in approved fields such as Disaster Management, Engineering, Education, ICT, Finance, Strategic Communication, Law, Medicine, Sports Science, and more.
- Training duration: 15 months.
3. Specialist Officers
- Vacancies available for Chaplains/Imams, Engineers, ICT Specialists, Strategic Communication Officers, and Legal Officers.
- Applicants must hold relevant professional degrees and certifications.
4. Tradesmen and Tradeswomen
- Diploma holders in areas such as Music, Education, Engineering, Business, ICT, Journalism, Library Science, and Medical fields.
- Certificate holders in technical trades such as Automotive Electrical, Carpentry, Welding, Plumbing, Catering, and Plant Operations.
5. General Duty Recruits
- KCSE minimum grade of D (Plain).
- NYS-trained candidates will have an added advantage.
6. Defence Forces Constables
- Open to retired KDF service members aged 30–55 years and retired NYS personnel aged 35–45 years with good conduct ratings.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online via the official KDF portal: https://recruit.mod.go.ke.
- Deadline: 12th October 2025.
- Shortlisted candidates will be announced in print media between 21st and 24th October 2025.
- Manual applications will not be accepted.
Important Notice
The Ministry of Defence has emphasized that the recruitment is free of charge and merit-based.
Any form of bribery or corruption should be reported to the nearest Police Station or Military Camp. Selected candidates will undergo thorough verification and medical examinations before admission to KDF training centres.
Conclusion
The Kenya Defence Forces recruitment drive for October 2025 is a significant national exercise that opens the door for thousands of Kenyans to serve their country with honour and dedication.
With opportunities for both skilled professionals and young school leavers, KDF continues to strengthen its ranks while offering rewarding career paths for those willing to defend the nation.