KDF Recruitment 2025/26 — Kenya Defence Forces Jobs Guide

Joining the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is one of the most prestigious career opportunities for Kenyan youth.

Each year, the Ministry of Defence announces an official recruitment drive where qualified citizens are invited to apply for various roles across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

For 2025/26, the recruitment exercise is expected to be among the largest in recent years.

Thousands of applicants will attend selection centers across the country to compete for limited positions.

This page gives you the full breakdown of requirements, positions, application steps, and recruitment dates.

Why Join the Kenya Defence Forces?

The KDF plays a central role in protecting Kenya’s sovereignty, supporting peace missions, and responding to national emergencies.

Becoming a soldier, cadet, or officer offers:

  • National pride — Serving in the defence of the country.
  • Job security — A stable government job with career progression.
  • Professional growth — Training in leadership, technology, medicine, aviation, engineering, and more.
  • Competitive benefits — Salary, allowances, medical cover, pension, and housing.
  • Global exposure — Opportunities to serve in regional and UN peacekeeping missions.

Recruitment Dates and Deadline

  • Online applications open: 30 July 2025

  • Application deadline: 12 October 2025

  • Recruitment exercise: 13 October – 25 October 2025 (nationwide centers)

  • Shortlist announcements: 21–24 October 2025

All applications must be submitted via the official portal: applications.mod.go.ke

 Important: Recruitment is free of charge. Do not pay anyone to be enlisted.

Report bribery attempts to police or the nearest military camp.

Positions Available

The 2025/26 KDF recruitment covers different categories:

  • General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets — Regular & Graduate

  • Specialist Officers (medical doctors, engineers, IT, lawyers, chaplains, etc.)

  • General Duty Recruits (soldiers for Army, Navy, and Air Force)

  • Tradesmen / Tradeswomen (technicians, drivers, artisans, skilled workers)

  • Defence Forces Constables (ex-KDF or ex-NYS with prior service)

General Requirements

To qualify, applicants must meet the following conditions:

  • Be a Kenyan citizen (no dual citizenship).

  • Hold a valid Kenyan National ID.

  • Have a KRA PIN certificate.

  • Be of good character with no criminal record.

  • Physically and medically fit according to KDF standards.

  • Meet age and academic requirements for the chosen role.

Age Limits

  • GSO Cadets & General Duty Recruits: 18–26 years

  • Specialist Officers & Trades: not above 30 years

  • Chaplains/Imams: not above 39 years

Physical & Medical Standards

  • Minimum height: Men: 1.60 meters Women: 1.52 meters

  • Minimum weight: Men: 54.55 kg Women: 50 kg

  • BMI: Must be below 30

  • Must have healthy skin, no large scars, and no disqualifying tattoos.

  • Female applicants must not be pregnant during application or training.

Academic Requirements

1. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets

  • Minimum KCSE grade: B plain
  • With at least C+ in English, Mathematics, and one science subject.
  • For graduates: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

2. Specialist Officers

  • Must hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree.
  • Must be registered with the relevant professional body (where applicable).

3. General Duty Recruits

  • Minimum KCSE grade: D plain.

4. Tradesmen & Tradeswomen

  • Diploma holders: KCSE C plain + relevant diploma + professional registration.
  • Certificate holders: KCSE D+ + certificate + government trade test Grade II or Craft II.

5. Defence Forces Constables

  • Former KDF or NYS with honourable discharge.
  • Required years of service and experience in good standing.

How to Apply

  • Visit the official recruitment portal: applications.mod.go.ke
  • Fill in all fields with accurate details.
  • Upload scanned copies of:
    National ID
    KRA PIN
    KCSE certificate and transcripts
    Academic certificates (degree, diploma, or trade test)
  • Submit the form online before 12 October 2025.
  • Print the application summary for reference.

Do not use middlemen. Applications are strictly online only.

Recruitment Centres

The physical recruitment will take place in all counties of Kenya between 13 and 25 October 2025.

Some counties and sub-counties include:

  • Central Region: Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Murang’a
  • Rift Valley: Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, West Pokot
  • Eastern: Embu, Makueni, Meru
  • Western: Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia
  • Nyanza: Kisii, Kisumu, Siaya
  • Coast: Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta
  • Northern: Samburu, Marsabit, Turkana

Check the official schedule on mod.go.ke for exact venues and dates per county.

Shortlisting & Selection Process

  • After the application deadline, KDF will publish shortlisted candidates between 21 and 24 October 2025.
  • Shortlisted applicants must report to designated centers with original documents.
  • They will undergo: 
    Document verification
    Medical examination 
    Physical fitness tests
    Academic checks
  • Only those who pass all stages will proceed to training at KDF academies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting late or incomplete applications.
  • Using fake or forged documents (leads to prosecution).
  • Paying bribes to brokers.
  • Ignoring fitness preparation.
  • Forgetting to carry original IDs and certificates on reporting day.

The KDF recruitment is a highly competitive and transparent process. Thousands of Kenyans apply every year, but only the best candidates are selected.

If you dream of serving your country with honour, ensure you meet all requirements, prepare early, and apply through official channels only.

For more information and updates, visit:  Ministry of Defence Website