The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced plans to recruit new personnel across the country in December 2026, opening opportunities for Kenyans interested in joining the military.
The exercise will cover several categories, including General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits and Tradesmen and Women.
In a notice issued on Thursday, November 12, KDF said the recruitment would take place at designated centres across the country. Applicants will be considered based on the academic, age and professional requirements set for each category.
Qualifications for Different Positions
For those interested in joining as Regular GSO Cadets, applicants must be aged between 18 and 23 years and have a minimum KCSE mean grade of B (Plain). They must also have at least a C+ in English, Mathematics and Science.
Graduate Cadets must meet the same KCSE requirements, hold a relevant bachelor’s degree and be aged between 18 and 26 years. Their training will run for 15 months.
Specialist Officer applicants must be aged 30 years or below and hold relevant bachelor’s degrees. They are also required to have professional registration where applicable and at least two years of practising experience.
For General Duty Recruits, applicants must be between 18 and 26 years old and have a minimum KCSE grade of D (Plain). Previous National Youth Service (NYS) training will be an added advantage.
Tradesmen and women applicants must also be aged between 18 and 26 years. Those applying with diplomas must have attained at least a C- in KCSE, while certificate holders need a minimum grade of D+, alongside the relevant professional qualifications.
KDF requires all applicants to be Kenyan citizens with valid national identity cards. They must also have clean criminal records, be medically fit and meet the required physical standards.
KDF Recruitment Dates and Centres
The General Duty recruitment exercise will take place physically between December 14 and 28, 2026, covering counties across the country.
The first round, scheduled for December 14, will cover several counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Garissa, Turkana, Bungoma and Meru.
Recruitment will continue from December 15 to 19 in additional areas, including Kiambu, Kakamega, Kilifi, Machakos, Nyeri, Wajir and Trans Nzoia.
The final phase, running from December 21 to 28, will extend to other recruitment centres in counties such as Embu, Kirinyaga, Nandi, Taita Taveta and Tharaka-Nithi.
Recruitment schedules are officially provided to ensure that applicants are aware of recruitment centers and dates in their areas.
Procedure for Applying for KDF Employment
Applicants for GSO Cadets, Specialists Officers and Tradesmen & Women will apply using the recruitment portal of the Ministry of Defence at recruit.mod.go.ke.
The deadline for application via the website is December 12, 2026.
For General Duty Recruits, physical recruitment will take place at the indicated recruitment centers on specified dates.
Applicants must ensure that they qualify for the chosen category prior to application.
