KDF OPENS NATIONWIDE RECRUITEMENT DRIVE SET FOR OCTOBER 2025

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise scheduled for October 2025, inviting qualified Kenyans to apply for positions across multiple categories. According to a notice issued by KDF, the month-long drive will cover General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (regular and graduate), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen and Women, as well as Defence Forces Constables. The recruitment will be conducted in counties across the country to give all eligible candidates an opportunity to serve.

KDF stressed that the process will be open, fair and corruption-free, warning applicants against bribery or malpractice. “The recruitment is free of charge. Any person found engaging in corruption will be arrested and prosecuted,” the ministry said. Members of the public have been urged to report suspicious activities via the hotlines 0726419706 and 0726419709, or at the nearest police or military stations.

Applicants must be Kenyan citizens, hold valid national Ids and have no criminal records. They are required to present original documents with four copies of ID cards, KRA PIN certificates and academic credentials. For age requirements, GSO Cadets and General Duty Recruits must be between 18 and 26 years, while Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/Women should not exceed 30 years. Chaplains and Imams must be below 39 years. Retired KDF personnel applying as constables must be aged between 30 and 55, while retired NYS personnel must be between 35 and 45. Both categories must produce discharge certificates showing at least a “Good” conduct rating.

Physical standards set by KDF require a minimum height of 1.60 metres for men and 1.52 metres for women. Minimum weight is 54.55 kilograms for men and 50 kilograms for women, with a Body Mass Index below 30. Female candidates must not be pregnant during recruitment or training. All applicants will also undergo medical examinations in line with KDF standards.

Academic qualifications vary by category. GSO Cadets (Regular) must have attained a KCSE mean grade of B plain with at least C+ in English, Mathematics and one science subject. They will 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 degree in an approved discipline, followed by a 15-month training programme. Specialist Officers must have relevant degrees and professional registrations, undergoing six months of training, while Chaplains and Imams are required to meet theological qualifications.

General Duty Recruits must hold a KCSE mean grade of D plain, with priority given to qualified NYS graduates. Tradesmen and Women must have a diploma or certificate in professional or technical fields such as engineering, ICT, medicine, finance, teaching, music, catering and artisan trades. Constable positions are reserved for retired KDF or NYS personnel who meet service and conduct standards.

Applications for GSO Cadets, Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/Women must be submitted online via https://recruit.mod.go.ke by October 12, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be announced in print media between October 21 and 24.

Recruitment for General Duty Recruits and Constables will take place physically in designated counties between October 13 and 25, 2025. The exercise will be conducted in Nairobi, Mombasa, Baringo, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo/Marakwet, Homa Bay, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Migori and Murang’a.