KDF Announces 2025 Nationwide Recruitment Drive: Requirements and How to Apply

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has launched its highly anticipated nationwide recruitment drive for October 2025, opening opportunities for qualified Kenyan citizens to serve in various military capacities across the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force, and Kenya Navy.

Available Positions

The recruitment covers six key categories:

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

Application Process and Deadlines

Online Applications Required

For GSO Cadets, Specialist Officers, and Tradesmen/Women, applications must be submitted exclusively online through the official portal at https://recruit.mod.go.ke.

The application deadline is October 12, 2025, with shortlisted candidates to be announced in print media between October 21-24, 2025.

Physical Recruitment

General Duty Recruits and Defence Forces Constables will be recruited at designated centers from October 13-25, 2025, following a comprehensive county-by-county schedule spanning all 47 counties.

Eligibility Requirements

Basic Qualifications:

– Kenyan citizenship with valid National ID
– Clean criminal record
– Medical fitness per KDF standards

Age Limits:

– 18-26 years: GSO Cadets and General Duty Recruits
– Up to 30 years: Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/Women
– Up to 39 years: Chaplains/Imams
– 30-55 years: Retired KDF personnel (Constables)
– 35-45 years: Retired NYS personnel (Constables)

Physical Standards:

– Minimum height: Men 1.60m (5’3”), Women 1.52m (5’0”)
– Minimum weight: Men 54.55kg (120lb), Women 50.00kg (110lb)
– Body Mass Index (BMI) must be below 30
– Female candidates must not be pregnant during recruitment or training

Academic Qualifications

GSO Cadets – Regular: KCSE mean grade B (Plain) with C+ in English, Mathematics, and one Science subject. Training spans three years, culminating in a BSc in Defence and Security Studies.

GSO Cadets – Graduate: Must meet regular GSO requirements plus hold a Bachelor’s degree in specified disciplines including Engineering, ICT, Finance, Education, or Security Studies. Training duration is 15 months.

Specialist Officers: Require Bachelor’s degrees in fields such as Law, Medicine, Engineering, or Chaplaincy, with statutory body registration where applicable. Training lasts six months.

General Duty Recruits: KCSE mean grade D (Plain), with NYS graduates receiving preference.

Tradesmen/Women: Diploma holders need KCSE grade C (Plain) plus relevant diplomas, while certificate holders require KCSE grade D+ and Trade Test Grade II or Craft II certificates.

Key Recruitment Centers

Major recruitment hubs include:

– Nairobi: Jamhuri Grounds, Nyayo Stadium, and MISC Kasarani
– Mombasa: Multiple venues across Mombasa, Changamwe, and coastal regions
– Nakuru: Nakuru town and surrounding areas
– Eldoret: Various Uasin Gishu locations
– Regional centers in all 47 counties

Important Warnings

The KDF emphasizes that recruitment is completely free. The Ministry of Defence warns against bribery or corruption, stating that such practices constitute criminal offenses punishable by arrest and prosecution.

Citizens can report recruitment malpractices to the nearest police station, military camp, or dedicated hotlines: 0726419706/0726419709.

Required Documents

Applicants must present original documents plus four copies of:

– National Identity Card
– KRA PIN Certificate
– Academic Certificates

Professional Experience Requirements

Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/Women must demonstrate at least two years of practical experience in their specialization fields, registered with relevant statutory bodies in Kenya.

The recruitment drive represents a significant opportunity for Kenyans to contribute to national defense while building meaningful military careers. All communications should be verified through official KDF channels: website (www.mod.go.ke), X (@kdfinfo), Facebook (@officialkdf), Instagram (@kdf.info), and TikTok (@kdf_officialpage).

Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare thoroughly and ensure they meet all specified requirements before applying through the designated channels.

For the full announcement and further details, tap and scroll the document below: