The Ministry of Defence has opened a new window of opportunity for Kenyans seeking stable government employment, announcing dozens of civilian job vacancies within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
In a statement released on Tuesday, December 30, the ministry said it is looking to recruit more than 30 gardener assistants and 15 sanitary cleaners to serve under the KDF Civilian Staff Department. The positions will be offered on permanent and pensionable terms, a move likely to attract many job seekers amid tough economic times.
According to the ministry, interested applicants are required to fill out the Public Service Commission (PSC) application form PSC2 and submit it together with copies of their relevant academic and professional documents.
“Applications are invited for the positions in the Ministry of Defence. Interested candidates should complete one application form PSC2 and submit it with relevant certificates,” the statement read.
Completed applications must be submitted to the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Defence, on or before January 20, 2026, for consideration.
The ministry emphasized that the recruitment process will be fair and inclusive, assuring Kenyans that no one will be discriminated against on the basis of tribe, age, gender or background. At the same time, it issued a stern warning to anyone attempting to use bribery or other unlawful means to secure the jobs, saying such individuals will be disqualified and may face legal action.
Applicants were also reminded that the application process is free of charge, and any attempts to solicit money should be reported immediately to the ministry.
To qualify, candidates must be Kenyan citizens with valid national identity cards and hold a minimum of a D plain in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
Those hired as gardener assistants will earn a basic salary ranging between KSh19,000 and KSh24,000, in addition to a house allowance depending on their area of deployment, a KSh3,000 monthly commuter allowance, and a KSh4,000 annual leave allowance.
Sanitary cleaners, on the other hand, will receive a basic salary of between KSh18,000 and KSh22,000, alongside similar commuter and leave allowances. All successful candidates will be placed on permanent and pensionable contracts.
Civilian roles within the KDF are administered through the Ministry of Defence and are distinct from uniformed military positions. These jobs allow civilians to support defence operations without undergoing the rigorous military training required of enlisted soldiers.
Successful applicants will also benefit from the ministry’s Career Progression Guidelines (CPGs) for civilian staff, launched in June 2025, which are designed to provide clear pathways for professional growth and promotion.
The latest announcement follows a series of other recruitment drives by the ministry, which recently advertised vacancies for artisans, clerical staff and professional cadres. It also comes amid a broader public sector hiring push, with the Public Service Commission having announced more than 800 job openings in recent weeks.
