KDF announces December recruitment drive — Requirements and how to apply

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced a December 2026 recruitment exercise targeting General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits and Tradesmen and women.

In an advertisement, KDF said recruiting teams from the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force and Kenya Navy would conduct the General Duty Recruits exercise at designated centres across the country.

“The in-person recruitment exercise will run from December 14 to 28, with candidates expected to present themselves at centres listed in the recruitment itinerary. Those seeking to join as cadets, specialist officers and tradesmen and women are required to apply online,” KDF said.

According to KDF, the first recruitment day will be Monday, December 14, with centres listed in counties including Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisumu, Garissa, Turkana, Mandera, Meru, Kakamega and Bungoma.

The military said the exercise would continue on December 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 before resuming on December 21 and running through December 24. The final recruitment day is scheduled for December 28.

In Nairobi, the designated centres include Nyayo Stadium in Lang’ata, Dandora Stadium in Embakasi North, Visions Ground/Makao Bora in Embakasi South, Kawangware Primary School in Dagoretti North and Kasarani MISC in Kasarani.

Other centres in the capital include Tena Grounds in Embakasi West, Riruta/Ndararua Stadium in Dagoretti South, Jamhuri Grounds in Kibra, Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi East and Pumwani Playground in Starehe.

For General Duty Recruits, KDF requires applicants to be Kenyan citizens aged between 18 and 26, hold valid national identity cards and have a minimum Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) mean grade of D plain.

The military added that candidates who have successfully undergone National Youth Service training and meet the general recruitment conditions would have an added advantage.

KDF further said applicants must have no criminal record and must meet its medical and physical fitness standards.

KDF said the minimum height requirement is 1.60 metres for men and 1.52 metres for women, while the minimum weight is 54.55kg for men and 50kg for women adding that the candidates must also have a body mass index of between 18.5 and 30.0.

“Female applicants must not be pregnant at the time of recruitment or during the entire training period,” according to KDF.

For Regular GSO Cadets, the military requires applicants to have a minimum KCSE mean grade of B plain, with at least C+ in English, Mathematics and one science subject.

KDF said successful candidates in this category would undergo three years of training leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Defence and Security Studies.

“Graduate cadets must meet the same KCSE requirements and hold a bachelor’s degree in one of the advertised disciplines from a recognised university or institution. Their training period will be 15 months,” the military said.

The advertised fields include disaster management and security studies, engineering, education, finance, business management, human resource management, geology, geographical information systems, hospitality, information and communications technology, strategic communication, library studies, sports management, strategic management, public administration and agroforestry.

For Specialist Officers, KDF requires applicants to meet the regular GSO Cadet academic requirements, hold relevant bachelor’s degrees and be registered with regulatory or statutory bodies where applicable.

The military has listed vacancies in chaplaincy, legal and medical services, as well as medical consultants. Applicants for medical consultant positions must hold a Master of Medicine qualification in internal medicine or radiology.

KDF said that the specialist officers will undergo seven months of training.

The military has also invited applications from diploma and certificate holders seeking to join as Tradesmen and women.

The advertised fields include music, education, engineering, information and communications technology, strategic communication, health technology, legal studies, vehicle mechanics, cartography and laundry technology.

Other certificate-level vacancies include automotive electricians, carpenters, masons, electricians, plant and crane operators, tailors, welders, painters, caterers, plumbers and truck drivers. Applicants for truck driver positions must hold a National Transport and Safety Authority licence class BCE, according to the advertisement.

KDF further requires Specialist Officers and Tradesmen and women to have at least two years of practising experience in their respective fields, counted from the date of registration with the relevant regulatory or statutory body in Kenya.

Applicants seeking positions as GSO Cadets, Specialist Officers and Tradesmen and women must submit their applications through the Ministry of Defence recruitment portal at https://recruit.mod.go.ke.

The deadline for online applications is December 12, 2026. KDF said shortlisted candidates would be notified through the Ministry of Defence website and print media between December 21 and 25.

The military cautioned applicants against paying money to individuals promising to influence the recruitment process, saying the exercise is free and open to all qualified candidates.

“The Kenya Defence Forces recruitment drive is FREE and OPEN to all eligible and qualified candidates. Engaging in BRIBERY or any other form of CORRUPTION with the intent to influence the recruitment process is a CRIMINAL OFFENCE,” KDF said.

The military warned that anyone found engaging in recruitment-related malpractice would be arrested and prosecuted.

KDF urged members of the public to report incidents of malpractice, including the issuance of calling letters, to the nearest police station or military camp, or through the dedicated hotline 0183749488.

The military also advised candidates that biometric verification would be the only method used to identify and verify them during recruitment and when they report for training.

“Biometric verification shall be the sole method of identification and verification during the recruitment exercise and on reporting for training,” KDF said.

KDF further cautioned candidates against expecting to receive calling letters during the recruitment exercise or when reporting for training.

“Accordingly, no calling letters shall be issued either during recruitment or at the point of reporting for training,” the military said.