KDF has scheduled nationwide recruitment for December 2026.
KDF will recruit cadets, specialist officers, general duty recruits and tradespeople, with physical recruitment running from December 14 to 28.
The Kenya Defence Forces has announced nationwide KDF recruitment for December 2026, with online applications closing on December 12. The exercise targets General Service Officer cadets, specialist officers, general duty recruits, and tradesmen and women.
Cadets, specialist officers and tradespeople must apply through the Ministry of Defence recruitment portal, recruit.mod.go.ke. Meanwhile, general duty applicants will attend physical recruitment at designated centres across the country from December 14 to 28.
KDF recruitment requirements by category
Regular General Service Officer cadet applicants must be aged 18 to 23 and hold a KCSE mean grade of B plain. They also need at least C+ in English, Mathematics and Science.
Graduate cadet applicants must meet the same KCSE requirements and hold a relevant bachelor’s degree. However, their age range extends from 18 to 26, and their training lasts 15 months.
Specialist officer applicants must be aged 30 or below and possess relevant bachelor’s degrees. They also need at least two years of practising experience, alongside professional registration where applicable.
For general duty recruits, KDF requires applicants aged 18 to 26 with a minimum KCSE grade of D plain. Previous National Youth Service training offers an advantage.
Tradesmen and women must also be aged 18 to 26 and have relevant professional qualifications. Diploma applicants need a KCSE mean grade of C-, while certificate holders require D+.
Physical recruitment dates and nationwide centres
The physical general duty exercise begins on Monday, December 14, following scheduled regional itineraries. The first phase includes Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Garissa, Turkana, Bungoma and Meru counties.
Recruitment will then extend to additional locations from December 15 to 19. These include Kiambu, Kakamega, Kilifi, Machakos, Nyeri, Wajir and Trans Nzoia.
The final rounds will take place between December 21 and 28 at further centres across the country. Counties in this stage include Embu, Kirinyaga, Nandi, Taita Taveta and Tharaka-Nithi.
Across all categories, applicants must be Kenyan citizens with valid national identity cards and clean criminal records. They must also be medically fit and meet KDF’s prescribed physical requirements.
