The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will conduct a nationwide recruitment exercise in October 2025 for various categories of officers and service members.
Important: The recruitment exercise is free of charge and open to all eligible candidates. The KDF has cautioned the public against bribery or corruption during the process, warning that anyone caught will face prosecution.
Below is a breakdown of the general requirements and academic qualifications for different categories of applicants:
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General Requirements for all applicants
Must be a Kenyan citizen with a valid National ID. Present original documents and four copies of ID, KRA PIN, and academic certificates. Age limits: 18-26 years: GSO Cadets (Regular/Graduate) & General Duty Recruits. Up to 30 years: Specialist Officers & Tradesmen/women. Up to 39 years: Chaplains/Imams. Must have no criminal record.
Physical Standards
Height: Men – 1.60m (5ft 3in); Women – 1.52m (5ft). Weight: Men – 54.55 kg (120 lb); Women – 50 kg (110 lb). BMI: Below 30. Other requirements: Female candidates must not be pregnant during recruitment or training. Must be medically fit according to KDF standards. Specialist Officers/Tradesmen must have at least 2 years’ work experience in their field. All selected candidates undergo final verification at KDF training institutions.
Academic Qualifications by Category
1. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Regular
KCSE mean grade B (Plain). Minimum of C+ in English, Mathematics, and one Science subject. Training lasts 3 years, leading to a BSc in Defence and Security Studies.
2. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Graduate
Must meet GSO Regular requirements. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in specified fields (e.g., Engineering, ICT, Criminology, Education, Finance, Geology, Medicine, Journalism, Social Work, Sports Science, etc.). Training lasts 15 months.
3. Specialist Officers
Must meet GSO Regular minimum requirements. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in specialized fields (e.g., Law, Medicine, Engineering, ICT, Chaplaincy, Journalism). Must be registered with the relevant professional body. Training lasts 6 months.
4. Service Members (General Duty Recruits)
KCSE mean grade D (Plain). NYS graduates who meet the conditions have an advantage.
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5. Tradesmen/Women
Diploma holders: KCSE mean grade C (Plain) plus a relevant Diploma; registration with professional bodies where applicable. Certificate holders: KCSE mean grade D+ (Plus) plus a Certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II. Fields include Engineering, ICT, Catering, Education, Music, Medical and Technical trades (e.g., Welding, Plumbing, Mechanics, Tailoring, Carpentry, Electrical Installation).
6. Defence Forces Constables
Must be retired KDF service members or retired NYS servicemen/women. Retired KDF: 30-55 years, with 9 years of Colour Service, honourable discharge, and conduct rating of “Good.” Retired NYS: 35-45 years, honourably discharged with conduct rating of “Good.”
Application and Recruitment Process
Online applications required for: GSO Cadets (Regular & Graduate) Specialist Officers Tradesmen/Women Apply via recruit.mod.go.ke. Deadline: 12th October 2025. Shortlisting: Successful candidates will be announced in the press between 21st-24th October 2025. Physical recruitment: General Duty Recruits and Constables will be recruited at designated centres by teams from the Kenya Army, Air Force, and Navy.
