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The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise scheduled for December 2026, targeting General Service Officer (GSO) cadets, specialist officers, general duty recruits and tradesmen and women.
In an advertisement issued by the Ministry of Defence, the recruitment exercise will provide opportunities for qualified Kenyan citizens seeking to join the military in various professional and technical capacities.
The ministry has directed interested applicants in the categories of GSO cadets, specialist officers and tradesmen and women to submit their applications online through the official recruitment portal, https://recruit.mod.go.ke.
The deadline for applications is December 12, 2026, while shortlisted candidates will be notified through the Ministry of Defence website and print media between December 21 and 25, 2026.
The General Service Officer category will accommodate both regular and graduate cadets. Regular cadets must have attained a minimum KCSE mean grade of B (Plain), with at least C+ in English, Mathematics and one Science subject.
Successful candidates in this category will undergo three years of training, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Defence and Security Studies.
Graduate cadets, on the other hand, must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in specified disciplines and meet the academic requirements for regular GSO cadets. Their training will take 15 months.
The advertised graduate specialisations include disaster management and security studies, engineering, education, finance and business management, geology, geographical information systems, hospitality, information and communications technology, strategic communication, library studies, sports management, strategic management and public administration.
The KDF has also opened opportunities for specialist officers in chaplaincy, legal services, medicine and medical consultancy.
Applicants seeking specialist officer positions must possess relevant university qualifications and professional registration where applicable. The training period for specialist officers will be seven months, while medical consultants will be required to hold a Master of Medicine qualification in Internal Medicine or Radiology.
Tradesmen and women positions will cover diploma and certificate holders in several technical and professional fields, including engineering, education, ICT, strategic communication, health technology, vehicle mechanics, cartography, laundry technology, catering, plumbing, electrical installation, carpentry, masonry, welding and tailoring.
For general duty recruits, the minimum academic requirement is a KCSE mean grade of D (Plain). Candidates who have successfully undergone National Youth Service training and meet the other recruitment conditions will have an added advantage.
The recruitment exercise will be conducted across the country through designated centres, with general duty recruitment scheduled to begin on December 14 and conclude on December 28, 2026.
The recruitment itinerary covers all 47 counties, with teams drawn from the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force and Kenya Navy.
In Nairobi, recruitment centres will include Nyayo Stadium, Dandora Stadium, Visions Ground/Makao Bora, Kawangware Primary School, Huruma Grounds, Kasarani Miscellaneous (Lauret Garden), Tena Grounds, Riruta/Ndararua Stadium, Jamhuri Grounds, Jacaranda Grounds, Mathare Depot Playground, KTTC Gigiri, Pumwani Playground, Ruai Primary School, Our Lady of Mercy Girls Primary School, Utalii College Sports Grounds and Camp Toyoyo in Jericho.
In the coastal region, recruitment centres include Kikambala, Malindi, Marafa, Mpeketoni, Faza, Amu, Changamwe, Mombasa, Likoni, Kongowea and Mikindani, among other designated locations.
The ministry has emphasised that the recruitment exercise is free and open to all eligible candidates, warning members of the public against bribery, corruption and individuals claiming to have the ability to influence recruitment outcomes.
It cautioned that engaging in recruitment-related malpractice is a criminal offence, adding that anyone found participating in such activities will be arrested and prosecuted.
Members of the public have been urged to report suspected recruitment malpractice, including the issuance of calling letters, to the nearest police station or military camp, or through the dedicated hotline 0183749488.
The ministry further clarified that biometric verification will be the sole method of identification and verification during recruitment and upon reporting for training. No calling letters will be issued either during the recruitment exercise or at the point of reporting for training.
Applicants must be Kenyan citizens with valid national identity cards and should present original documents alongside four copies of their national ID, KRA PIN certificate and academic certificates.
Other requirements include having no criminal record, meeting the prescribed medical and physical fitness standards and possessing the required professional experience where applicable.
Candidates must also meet the stipulated age limits, which vary depending on the recruitment category.
The Ministry of Defence has advised prospective applicants to obtain further information through its official website, www.mod.go.ke, and verified KDF social media platforms.
Applicants requiring assistance with online applications can contact the recruitment help desk through rms-helpdesk@mod.go.ke.
The ministry has reiterated that recruitment is conducted on merit and urged Kenyans to remain vigilant against fraudsters seeking to exploit job seekers.