The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has officially announced its 2025 recruitment drive. This highly anticipated exercise will open opportunities for young Kenyans to join one of the most respected institutions in the country.
The recruitment covers General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen and women, and Defence Forces Constables. The exercise will take place in October 2025 across different counties.
If you want to serve your country with pride, you must understand the requirements and deadlines. Below is a full guide on the KDF 2025 recruitment requirements and dates.
KDF 2025 Recruitment Requirements
The KDF has set clear conditions and academic qualifications for every applicant. Meeting these requirements increases your chance of success.
General Conditions
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be a Kenyan citizen |
| Identification | Valid Kenyan ID + 4 copies of ID, KRA PIN, academic certificates |
| Age | 18–26 years (GSO Cadets, General Duty Recruits) Not above 30 years (Specialist Officers, Tradesmen/women) Not above 39 years (Chaplains/Imams) |
| Criminal Record | None |
| Height | Men: 1.60m (5ft 3in) Women: 1.52m (5ft) |
| Weight | Men: 54.55kg Women: 50kg |
| BMI | Below 30 |
| Pregnancy | Female candidates must not be pregnant |
| Medical | Must be fit by KDF standards |
| Experience | Specialist Officers/Tradesmen must have 2+ years practice |
| Verification | All selected candidates must undergo final checks at KDF training schools |
Minimum Academic Qualifications
| Category | Academic Requirement | Training Duration |
|---|---|---|
| GSO Cadets – Regular | KCSE B Plain, C+ in English, Mathematics and a Science | 3 years (BSc Defence & Security Studies) |
| GSO Cadets – Graduate | Same as above + Bachelor’s degree in listed fields | 15 months |
| Specialist Officers | Bachelor’s degree in specified fields + registration with professional body | 6 months |
| Chaplains/Imams | KCSE C+ plus religious qualifications | 6 months |
| General Duty Recruits | KCSE mean grade D Plain | Depends on KDF training |
| Tradesmen/women – Diploma | KCSE C Plain + relevant Diploma | Varies |
| Tradesmen/women – Certificate | KCSE D+ plus Government Trade Test II or Craft II | Varies |
| Defence Forces Constables | Retired KDF or NYS officers with honorable discharge and good conduct | Varies |
Available Vacancies
- GSO Cadets (Regular and Graduate)
- Specialist Officers in Engineering, Law, Medicine, ICT, Finance, Chaplaincy, and other fields
- General Duty Recruits
- Tradesmen and women in engineering, medical, education, business, and artisan fields
- Defence Forces Constables for retired officers and NYS servicemen
KDF 2025 Recruitment Dates And Centres
The recruitment will run from 13 October to 25 October 2025. Each county will have specific recruitment centres.
Sample Recruitment Schedule
| Date | County | Sub-County | Recruitment Centre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Oct 2025 | Nairobi City | Dagoretti North | Jamhuri Grounds |
| 13 Oct 2025 | Mombasa | Changamwe | Changamwe |
| 14 Oct 2025 | Nakuru | Nakuru East | Nakuru |
| 14 Oct 2025 | Kisumu | Seme | Kombewa |
| 15 Oct 2025 | Garissa | Dadaab | Dadaab |
| 16 Oct 2025 | Nyeri | Othaya | Othaya |
| 17 Oct 2025 | Kisumu | Kisumu Central | Kisumu |
| 21 Oct 2025 | Trans Nzoia | Kitale | Kitale |
| 22 Oct 2025 | Kiambu | Thika West | Thika |
| 23 Oct 2025 | Siaya | Siaya | Siaya |
| 24 Oct 2025 | Embu | Mbeere North | Siakago |
| 25 Oct 2025 | Machakos | Mwala | Makutano |
Note: The full itinerary is available on the official KDF website and social media handles.
How To Apply For KDF 2025 Recruitment
Online Applications
Candidates applying for GSO Cadets (Regular and Graduate), Specialist Officers, and Tradesmen/women must apply online.
- Visit https://recruit.mod.go.ke
- Submit your details and upload documents
- Deadline: 12 October 2025
- Shortlisted candidates will be announced between 21–24 October 2025 via newspapers
Physical Recruitment For General Duty Recruits
Applicants for General Duty Recruits and Defence Forces Constables must report physically to recruitment centres listed in the official itinerary.
Bring the following:
- Original ID and academic certificates with copies
- KRA PIN certificate
- Comfortable sportswear
Important Warnings
The recruitment is FREE. Do not pay anyone for help. Any form of bribery or corruption is a criminal offence. Report such cases to police, military camps, or hotline numbers 0726419706 / 0726419709.
Key Tips For Applicants
- Ensure your documents are original and valid
- Train physically before recruitment day to meet fitness standards
- Stay hydrated and healthy before attending the exercise
- Arrive early at recruitment centres to avoid delays
- Only use verified KDF communication channels for updates
Remember, the recruitment process is free, fair, and competitive. Stay alert, avoid shortcuts, and take pride in the chance to serve Kenya in the Defence Forces.
