The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has unveiled plans for a major recruitment exercise beginning next month, opening doors for thousands of Kenyans eager to join the military.
The drive, which spans all three services — the Army, Air Force, and Navy — will target multiple categories of recruits ranging from fresh graduates to retired service members.
Online Applications Open Until October 12
In a public notice released on Sunday, September 14, KDF confirmed that applications are now open for General Service Officer (GSO) cadets — both regular and graduate — Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen and Women, and Defence Forces Constables.
Interested candidates are required to submit their applications exclusively through the official KDF recruitment portal before the October 12, 2025 deadline. The military stressed that no manual submissions will be accepted.
Shortlisted applicants will be announced in print media between October 21 and October 24, after which the countrywide recruitment exercise will kick off at designated centres. Teams drawn from across the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force, and Kenya Navy will oversee the process.
“This year’s applications must strictly be submitted online,” the notice emphasized. “Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to recruitment venues.”
Who Qualifies to Apply?
Eligibility requirements vary by category:
- General Service Officer (Regular Cadets): Must be Kenyan citizens aged 18–26, with a minimum KCSE mean grade of B (Plain), including C+ in English, Mathematics, and a science subject. Training lasts three years.
- Graduate Cadets: Degree holders from recognized universities, aged up to 30 years. Training lasts 15 months.
- Specialist Officers: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and registration with professional bodies where applicable.
- Tradesmen and Women: Minimum KCSE mean grade of C (Plain) or diploma/certificate in a trade-related field.
- Defence Forces Constables: Retired KDF service members below 52 years, or former National Youth Service (NYS) personnel aged 35–45, with at least a KCSE mean grade of D (Plain).
- Chaplains and Imams: Must not exceed 39 years.
In addition to age and academic qualifications, all applicants must present original and copies of their National ID, KRA PIN, and academic certificates.
Recruitment Centres Across the Country
The nationwide exercise begins October 13, with recruitment scheduled in more than 28 counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Nakuru, and Kakamega.
- In Nairobi, applicants from Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Kibra, Lang’ata, and Westlands will report to Jamhuri Grounds, while those from Embakasi North, Kasarani, Mathare, Roysambu, and Ruaraka will be screened at Kasarani MSC. Residents from Embakasi Central, East, South, West, Kamukunji, Makadara, and Starehe will gather at Nyayo Stadium.
- In Mombasa, recruitment will be held in Changamwe on October 13, with additional centres in Nyali (Kongowea) on October 22.
- In Kiambu, exercises will take place across multiple sub-counties between October 13–17, including Karuri, Nderu, Limuru, Githunguri, and Githurai.
- In Nakuru, venues include Nakuru East, Bahati, Kapkures, Keringet, Sirikwa, and Molo sub-county on various dates.
- Other counties scheduled include Kakamega (October 15) and Machakos (October 21).
The full list of counties and recruitment centres is available on the Ministry of Defence and KDF official websites.
For many young Kenyans, a KDF career represents both national service and personal opportunity. With the October deadline fast approaching, candidates are urged to apply early, prepare thoroughly, and follow official guidelines to avoid falling prey to fraudsters.
The recruitment drive comes at a time when the military is strengthening its capacity across land, air, and sea — and this year’s intake could define the next generation of Kenya’s defenders.
