The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will conduct a nationwide recruitment exercise in December 2026, offering various positions. The Ministry of Defence announced that recruiting teams will visit designated centers across the country from December 14 to 28. Candidates can apply for officer cadets, general duty recruits, and specialist professionals. The recruitment process will be conducted at various centers, including Nyayo Stadium, Dandora Stadium, and Visions Ground/Makao Bora in Nairobi.
To be eligible, applicants must be Kenyan citizens with a valid national identity card and no criminal record. They must also meet specific medical and physical standards, including a minimum height of 1.60 meters for men and 1.52 meters for women. The body mass index (BMI) must be between 18.5 and 30.0. Age limits vary by category, with Regular GSO Cadet applicants required to be between 18 and 23 years old, while Specialist Officers must be no older than 30.
Academic qualifications also vary by category. Regular GSO Cadet applicants require a minimum KCSE mean grade of B (Plain), with at least a C+ in English, Mathematics, and one Science subject. Graduate GSO Cadet applicants must meet the same KCSE requirements and hold a relevant bachelor's degree. General Duty Recruit applicants need a minimum KCSE mean grade of D (Plain). The Ministry has listed various disciplines for the Graduate GSO Cadet and Specialist Officer categories, including engineering, education, and finance.
The recruitment process will involve biometric checks to verify candidates' identities. The Ministry warned against bribery and other attempts to influence the process, stating that it constitutes a criminal offence. Authorities will arrest and prosecute anyone involved in recruitment malpractice. A hotline, 0183749488, has been set up for reports.
The Ministry will publish the names of shortlisted candidates on its website and in print media between December 21 and 25. Candidates who have completed National Youth Service (NYS) training and meet the general requirements will have an added advantage. The Tradesmen and Women category accepts candidates with relevant diploma or certificate qualifications.
KDF will conduct the General Duty Recruit exercise at designated centers in all 47 counties. Recruiting teams from the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force, and Kenya Navy will oversee the exercise. The Ministry urged applicants to consult the full advertisement for specific academic and professional qualifications required for each vacancy.
The KDF recruitment exercise is free and open to all eligible candidates. The Ministry advised candidates to check the official recruitment itinerary for the date and center serving their sub-county. Biometric checks will provide the sole means of identifying and verifying candidates during recruitment and when successful applicants report for training.
Key points
- KDF will recruit General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, and Tradesmen and women in December 2026.
- Applicants must meet specific medical and physical standards, including a minimum height and body mass index (BMI).
- The recruitment process will involve biometric checks to verify candidates' identities, and bribery or other attempts to influence the process constitute a criminal offence.
