The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced the nationwide recruitment exercise for 2025/2026 inviting all qualified Kenyan citizens to apply for military service across the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force, and Kenya Navy.
This recruitment is conducted by the Ministry of Defence – Republic of Kenya and includes several categories for enlistment.
The official KDF recruitment and application portal is where candidates submit their applications online.
Applicants should only use official links and avoid third‑party sites, intermediaries, or agents to prevent scams.
KDF Recruitment Dates for 2025/2026 Intake
Online applications for certain categories opened in mid‑2025 and closed on 12 October 2025.
Shortlisted candidates for the online application categories were published in national print media between 21 October and 24 October 2025.
Physical recruitment exercises for General Duty Recruits and Defence Forces Constables ran from 13 October to 25 October 2025 at gazetted centers nationwide.
Interview dates for shortlisted candidates were scheduled after the main exercise. For example:
- Tradesmen/Women interim interviews were on 3 November 2025 at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Lang’ata, Nairobi.
- Graduate GSO Cadets were on 24 November 2025 and regular GSO Cadets on 1 December 2025 at the Kenya Military Academy (KMA) in Lanet, Nakuru.
- Specialist Officers interviews were on 8 December 2025 at KMA, Lanet, Nakuru.
KDF Recruitment Centers Across Kenya
- The recruitment exercise was held at designated centers in all 47 counties of Kenya.
- A detailed itinerary of counties, sub‑counties, and recruitment centers was published in the official recruitment advertisement PDF by the Ministry of Defence.
- Examples of recruitment centers on 13 October 2025 included:
- Baringo – Kolowa
- Bungoma – Webuye West (Matisi)
- Busia – Matayos, Butula, Amagoro
- Elgeyo/Marakwet – Chesoi
- Homa Bay – Homabay and Kadongo
- Kajiado – Kisamis and Loitoktok
- Kakamega – Matete
- Kisii – Kerina
- Kisumu – Ojolla
- Kitui – Katulani and Tseikuru
- Kwale – Shimba Hills
- Laikipia – Ol‑Moran
- Lamu – Amu
- Mandera – Khalalio
- Marsabit – Dukana and Marsabit Central
- Mombasa – Changamwe
- Murang’a – Gatanga
- Nairobi City – Dagoretti North, Kibra, Lang’ata, Westlands, Embakasi, Kasarani, Mathare, Njiru, Roysambu, Ruaraka, Embakasi Central, Embakasi East, Embakasi South, Embakasi West, Kamukunji, Makadara, Starehe
- Nakuru – Nakuru East and more.
KDF Recruitment Eligibility and Basic Requirements
- To be eligible, applicants must be Kenyan citizens with a valid National Identification Card and must present original documents with four copies at verification.
- Candidates must have no criminal record and be physically and medically fit per KDF standards.
- Age limits vary by category:
- General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets and General Duty Recruits must be between 18 and 26 years.
- Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/Women must be 30 years or younger.
- Chaplains and Imams may be up to 39 years.
- Defence Forces Constables (retired KDF) must be 30–55 years, (retired NYS) between 35 and 45 years.
KDF Recruitment Academic and Professional Qualifications
- General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Regular require a KCSE mean grade of B (Plain) with at least C+ in English, Mathematics, and one Science subject.
- GSO Cadets – Graduate must meet the same KCSE criteria and hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree in an approved discipline.
- Specialist Officers must have a degree and be registered with the relevant professional body where applicable.
- General Duty Recruits require a KCSE mean grade of D (Plain).
- Tradesmen/Women need applicable diplomas or certificates in professional or technical fields.
KDF Recruitment Physical and Medical Standards
Candidates must meet minimum height and weight standards as set by the KDF.
The minimum height for men is about 1.60 m and for women is about 1.52 m.
Minimum weight for male applicants is 54.55 kg and for female applicants 50 kg.
Body Mass Index (BMI) must comply with the medical requirements and female applicants must not be pregnant during recruitment and training.
Contact Information for KDF Recruitment Queries
- Ministry of Defence – Kenya
Principal Secretary, Ulinzi House, Lenana Road, Nairobi, Kenya. - Telephone: +254-20-2721100
- Fax: 2722270
- Email: publicaffairs@mod.go.ke
To report fraud or bribery attempts related to the recruitment process, applicants and members of the public may contact the official hotlines provided in recruitment adverts when published.