The Ministry of Defence, on behalf of the Republic of Kenya, invites applications from qualified Kenyan citizens for recruitment into the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). The recruitment drive seeks to enlist General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (Regular and Graduate), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen/women, and Defence Forces Constables. The exercise is scheduled to take place in October 2025.
This recruitment opportunity provides patriotic Kenyans with the chance to serve in the defence and protection of the country, while building rewarding careers in the armed forces. Candidates are reminded that the recruitment exercise is free and open to all qualified applicants. Engaging in bribery, corruption, or any malpractice during this exercise is a criminal offence that will lead to arrest and prosecution.
General Conditions for All Applicants
- Applicants must be Kenyan citizens and holders of valid Kenyan national identity cards.
- Candidates must present original documents together with four certified copies of their National ID card, KRA PIN Certificate, and academic certificates.
- Age requirements vary by category:
- Between 18 and 26 years for GSO Cadets (Regular and Graduates) and General Duty Recruits.
- Not above 30 years for Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women.
- Not above 39 years for Chaplains/Imams.
- Applicants must have no criminal record.
- Minimum physical requirements:
- Men: Height – 1.60m (5ft 3in); Minimum Weight – 54.55kg (120 lb).
- Women: Height – 1.52m (5ft); Minimum Weight – 50.00kg (110 lb).
- Body Mass Index must not exceed 30.
- Female candidates must not be pregnant during recruitment and throughout training.
- Candidates must be medically fit as per KDF standards.
- Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women must have at least two years of professional experience in their field after registration with the relevant statutory body.
Vacancies
A. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Regular
- Minimum mean grade of B (Plain) in KCSE with C+ in English, Mathematics, and one science subject.
- Training period is three years, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Defence and Security Studies upon completion.
B. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Graduates
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in one of the following areas:
- Disaster Management/Security Studies – Degree in Criminology, Disaster Management, Forensics, Peace and Conflict Studies, or related fields.
- Engineering – Degree in Quantity Survey, Mechanical, Civil/Structural, Aeronautical/Aerospace/Space, Electrical & Electronics, Telecommunications, Marine, Architecture, Mechatronics, Biochemistry, Environmental Science/Engineering, Urban and Regional Planning, Interior Design, Nuclear Science, Facility Management, or Construction Project Management.
- Education – Degree in Education (B.Ed Arts/Science) with specialization in Geography, History, Business Studies, Economics, French, Arabic, Chinese, or Applied Linguistics.
- Finance/Business and Human Resource Management – Degree in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, Audit, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or Human Resource Management.
- Geology – Bachelor’s degree in Geology.
- Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) – Degree in GIS, Remote Sensing, or Geospatial Engineering.
- Hospitality/Catering/Food Production – Degree in Hospitality Management, Food Production, or Catering.
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT) – Degree in Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Information Systems, or Applied Statistics.
- Strategic Communication – Degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, Film Production, or Graphic Design.
- Library Science – Degree in Library Science or Information Studies.
- Social Work – Bachelor’s degree in Community Development or Social Work.
- Sports Management – Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science.
- Medical – Degree in Dental Surgery, Nursing, Medicine and Surgery.
- Finance Management – Degree in Accounting, Finance, Banking, or related fields.
Training for GSO Cadets (Graduates) will take 15 months.
C. Specialist Officers
- Chaplains/Imams – Bachelor’s degree in Theology or Islamic Studies. Candidates must be ordained or recommended by recognized religious authorities.
- Engineers – Degree in Nautical Science, Marine/Naval Architecture, Architecture, or Civil/Structural Engineering.
- ICT Specialists – Degree in Software Engineering or Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.
- Strategic Communication Officers – Degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, Film Production, or Graphic Design.
- Legal Officers – Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree, admission to the Bar as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, with a valid practising certificate. CPS certification is an added advantage.
D. Tradesmen and Tradeswomen
1. Diploma Holders
a) Band/Music – Diploma in Music.
b) Catechists/Maalims – Diploma in Theology, Catechetical Studies, or Islamic Studies.
c) Education – Diploma in Education, Applied Linguistics (French, Chinese, Arabic), or Special Needs Education.
d) Engineering – Diploma in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Marine, Chemical, Building, Construction, Mining, Geospatial, Automotive, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, etc.).
e) Finance/Business Management – Diploma in Commerce, Accounting, Banking, or Finance.
f) ICT – Diploma in IT, Cyber Security, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields.
g) Journalism and Mass Communication – Diploma in Journalism, Media Studies, Graphic Design, or related fields.
h) Library Science – Diploma in Library and Information Science.
i) Medical – Diploma in Clinical Health Nursing (KRCHN), PharmTech, Physiotherapy, Dental Therapy, or Medical Health Records.
2. Certificate Holders
a) Automotive Electrician – Craft/Certificate in Automotive Electrician.
b) Carpentry – Craft/Certificate in Carpentry.
c) Electrical/Electronics – Craft/Certificate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
d) Electrical Installation – Craft/Certificate in Electrical Installation.
e) Plant/Crane Operator – Craft/Certificate in Plant Operations.
E. Additional Trades Categories
f) Plant Elect/Mech – Craft/Certificate in Plant Electrical/Mechanical Technology.
g) Tailoring – Craft/Certificate in Tailoring.
h) Vehicle Mechanics – Craft/Certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics.
i) Welders/Fabricators/ Fitters – Craft/Certificate in Welding and Fabrication Technology.
j) Painting and Decoration – Artisan certificate in Painting and Decoration.
k) Catering & Accommodation – Craft/Certificate in Catering and Accommodation.
l) Plumbing – Craft/Certificate in Plumbing.
F. Service Members (General Duty Recruits)
- KCSE minimum grade of D (Plain).
- NYS-trained candidates have an added advantage.
G. Defence Forces Constables
- Retired KDF Service Members – Age 30–55 years, must possess a discharge certificate of minimum rating “Very Good” and not have served more than nine years.
- Retired National Youth Servicemen/Women – Age 35–45 years, must possess a discharge certificate of minimum rating “Good” in conduct.
Application Procedure
- All interested candidates must submit their applications online at the official KDF portal: https://recruit.mod.go.ke.
- The deadline for applications is 12th October 2025.
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified through print media between 21st and 24th October 2025.
- No manual applications will be accepted.
Important Notes
- The recruitment process is entirely free. Applicants are strongly warned against giving bribes or engaging in corruption.
- Any malpractice should be reported to the nearest Police Station or Military Camp,
- Selected candidates will undergo rigorous verification and medical examination at designated KDF training centres.
Process
The Kenya Defence Forces recruitment for October 2025 is a significant opportunity for Kenyans to serve their nation with honour and distinction. With vacancies spanning from General Duty Recruits and Tradesmen/women to Specialist Officers and GSO Cadets, this recruitment drive caters to a wide range of academic qualifications and professional experiences.
Interested and eligible applicants are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and submit their applications online before the deadline.
