KDF Recruitment 2025: How to Apply, Requirements, and Positions Available

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has officially launched its 2025 recruitment exercise, offering opportunities for Kenyans to serve in various positions, including General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen/women, and Defence Forces Constables.

The exercise will take place in October 2025, and all eligible candidates are encouraged to apply through the official KDF application portal.

Positions Available

• GSO Cadets (Regular and Graduates)

• Specialist Officers

• General Duty Recruits

• Tradesmen/women

• Defence Forces Constables

General Conditions

All candidates must:

• Be Kenyan citizens with a valid national ID card

• Bring original documents along with four copies of ID, KRA PIN, and academic certificates for verification

• Meet age limits based on position:

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

  • Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women: up to 30 years

  • Chaplains/Imams: up to 39 years

• Have no criminal record

• Meet physical requirements:

  • Men: at least 1.60m tall, 54.55kg

  • Women: at least 1.52m tall, 50kg

  • BMI below 30; female candidates must not be pregnant during recruitment or training

• Be medically fit as per KDF standards

Academic and Professional Qualifications

• GSO Cadets (Regular): Minimum KCSE mean grade B (plain) with C+ in English, Mathematics, and one Science subject. Training lasts three years, leading to a BSc in Defence and Security Studies.

• GSO Cadets (Graduates): Meet Regular requirements and hold a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as Disaster Management, Security Studies, Engineering, Education, Finance, ICT, or related areas. Training lasts 15 months.

• Specialist Officers: Hold a Bachelor’s degree and, where applicable, be registered with a regulatory/statutory body in the relevant discipline.

• General Duty Recruits: Minimum KCSE grade D (plain). NYS training is an advantage.

• Tradesmen/Women: Diploma or certificate holders in relevant fields; certificate holders must have Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II.

• Defence Forces Constables: Retired KDF members (30–55 years) or retired NYS personnel (35–45 years) with good conduct and an honorable discharge.

KDF Specialist Courses

Specialist courses span multiple disciplines:

• Disaster Management/Security Studies: Criminology, Forensics, Peace and Conflict Studies

• Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Aeronautical, Electrical, and more

• ICT: Software Engineering, Cyber Security, AI, Robotics

• Finance/Business Management: Accounting, Finance, HR, Procurement

• Strategic Communication: Journalism, Mass Communication, Graphic Design, Film Production

• Medical and Legal: Dentistry, Nursing, Medicine, Law

Candidates for specialist courses must also meet general conditions, including age limits, physical standards, and professional registration where required.

Application Procedure

• Applications for GSO Cadets, Specialist Officers, and Tradesmen/women must be submitted through the KDF application portal.

• Complete online registration and upload all required documents before October 12, 2025.

• Shortlisted candidates will be notified via print media between October 21 and 24, 2025.

General Duty Recruits and Defence Forces Constables

Recruitment for General Duty Recruits and Defence Forces Constables will take place at designated KDF recruitment centres by teams from the Kenya Army, Air Force, and Navy. This includes both new recruits and retired service members from KDF or NYS.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to review the recruitment requirements, submit applications promptly, avoid intermediaries, and prepare for physical and academic assessments to maximize their chances of selection.

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