KDF Recruitment 2026

ADVERTISEMENT FOR RECRUITMENT OF GENERAL SERVICE OFFICER (GSO) CADETS, SPECIALIST OFFICERS, GENERAL DUTY RECRUITS AND TRADESMEN/WOMEN INTO THE KENYA DEFENCE FORCES

1. WARNING. The Kenya Defence Forces recruitment drive is FREE and OPEN to all eligible and qualified candidates. Engaging in BRIBERY or any other form of CORRUPTION with the intent to influence the recruitment process is a CRIMINAL OFFENCE. Any individual found to be involved in recruitment-related malpractice will be arrested and prosecuted. The Public is urged to report any incidents of recruitment malpractice including the issuance of calling letters to the nearest Police Station or Military Camp or call the dedicated Hotline numbers: 0183749488.
2. The public and prospective candidates are hereby notified that biometric verification shall be the sole method of identification and verification during the recruitment exercise and on reporting for training. Accordingly, no calling letters shall be issued either during recruitment or at the point of reporting for training.
3. Prospective candidates willing to join the Kenya Defence Forces MUST

meet the following conditions and academic qualifications:

a.          General Conditions

• Be a Kenyan citizen.
  • Be a holder of a valid Kenyan National Identity (ID) Card. Additionally, candidates are required to bring their original documents together with four (4) copies of their National ID Card, KRA PIN Certificate and Academic Certificates.
  • Be within the following age brackets:
    • Between 18 and 23 years for Regular GSO Cadets.
    • Between 18 and 26 years for Graduate GSO Cadets, General Duty Recruits and Tradesmen/Women.
    • Not above 30 years of age for Specialist Officers.
    • Not above 35 years of age for Medical Consultants.
    • Not above 39 years of age for Chaplains/Imams.
    • Not above 35 years of age for Catechists/Maalims.
  • Have no criminal record.
  • Candidates    must    meet    the    following    minimum        physical requirements:
    • Minimum Height:
      • Men 1.60m (5ft 3in).
      • Women 1.52m (5ft).
    • Minimum Weight:
      • Men 54.55 kg.
      • Women 50.00 Kg.
    • Body Mass Index (BMI) range MUST be between 18.5 and

30.0 kg/m2.

• Female candidates must NOT be pregnant at the time of recruitment and during the entire duration of training.

• Medical. Candidates must be medically fit as per the KDF standards.
  • Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women. Should have a minimum of two (2) years practising experience in their field of specialization from the date of registration with the relevant regulatory/statutory body in Kenya.
  • The selected potential candidates in every category will undergo final verification at designated KDF training institutions.

b.          Minimum Academic Qualifications

• General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Regular. Must hold a minimum mean grade of B (Plain) in KCSE with C+ (Plus) in English, Mathematics and one (1) Science subject. The training period for this category will cover three (3) years leading to a BSc degree in Defence and Security Studies upon completion.
  • General Service Officer (GSO) Cadet – Graduate. Must hold the minimum requirement to qualify as GSO Cadet – Regular specified in Para 3.b.(1) above and be a Bachelor’s degree holder from a recognized University/Institution in any of the disciplines specified under the vacancies listed in Para 4.b. The training period for this category will be fifteen (15) months.
  • Specialist Officers. Must hold the minimum requirement to qualify as GSO Cadet – Regular specified in Para 3.b.(1), hold Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University/Institution and be registered with a regulatory/ statutory body where applicable in any of the disciplines specified under the vacancies listed in Para 4.c. Exemptions are for Chaplains/Imams who must hold a minimum mean grade of C+ (Plus) in KCSE and meet the qualifications specified in Para 4.c.(1). The training period for Specialist Officers will be seven (7) months.
  • Service Members (General Duty) Recruits. Must hold a minimum mean grade of D (Plain) in KCSE. Candidates who have successfully undergone NYS training and meet the general conditions in Para 3.a will have an added advantage.
  • Tradesmen/women. Prospective candidates must satisfy the conditions and requirements given below:
    • Diploma. A minimum mean grade of C- (Minus) in KCSE, a relevant Diploma or above from a recognized institution and be registered with the relevant statutory bodies, where applicable.
    • Certificate. A minimum mean grade of D+ (Plus) in KCSE and either a relevant Certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II from a recognized institution.
• Vacancies
  • General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Regular.
  • General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Graduates:
    • Disaster Management/Security Studies. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Crisis Response and Disaster Management, Security Studies, Forensics, Peace and Conflict Studies or related fields.

c.    Specialist Officers:

• Chaplaincy. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Theology or Islamic studies from a recognized institution. Roman Catholic and Protestant Chaplains must be ordained Ministers and recommended by Episcopal Conference and Archbishop respectively. Imams must be recommended by the Chief Kadhi.
  • Legal. Must hold a Bachelor’s of Law (LL.B) from a recognized University, be an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, hold a current and valid Practicing Certificate. Certified Public Secretary (CPS) will be an added advantage.
  • Medical. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBChB), Dental Surgery (BDS), Nursing (BScN), Pharmacy (B.Pharm).
  • Medical Consultants: Must Hold Masters of Medicine (MMed) in Internal Medicine, Radiology.

d.       Tradesmen/Women:

• Diploma Holders:
  • Band/Music. Must hold a Diploma in Music.
  • Catechists/Maalims. Must hold a Diploma in Theology, Catechetical Studies, Religious Studies in Catechists & Pastoral Ministry, Islamic Studies/Sharia or equivalent.

• Education. Must hold a Diploma in Education or Applied Linguistics (French, Chinese Mandarin or Arabic). Qualifications in Special Needs Education and Kenya Sign Language is an added advantage.
  • Engineering. Must hold a Diploma in Architectural Technology or Architecture, Building Technology, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (Construction Option), Material Science, Quantity Survey, Construction Planning Management, Environmental Impact Analysis, Geospatial Information Systems, Physical Planning, Land Survey, Aeronautical Engineering, Electrical & Instrumentation, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Electrical & Electronics/ Telecommunications, Mechanical Engineering (Plant), Electrical & Electronics (Power), Technical Marine Engineering, Marine Engineering Technology (Shipwright), Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology, Technical Marine Electric, Radio/Radar Technology, Hydrographic Surveying, Draughts.
  • Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Must hold a Diploma in System Development, Software Development, Web Design, Network Engineering, System Audit, Telecommunication Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, Forensics, Ethical Hacking, Data Entry/Analyst, Animation/Digital Media, Computer Technician and Print Technology. Candidates MUST possess relevant certifications.
  • Strategic Communication. Must hold a Diploma in Journalism, Mass Communication, Audio Engineering, 3D Animation, Film/Video Production, Media Studies, Graphic Design and Photography.
  • Health Technologist. Must hold a Diploma in Clinical Medicine, Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse (KRCHN), Pharmaceutical Technology, Community Oral Health Officer (COHO), Physiotherapy, Medical Imaging Technology.
  • Para Legal. Must hold a Diploma in Legal studies.
  • Vehicle Mechanic. Must hold a Diploma in Auto Engineering/Vehicle Mechanic/Vehicle Electric/ Vehicle Technology.
  • Cartographer. Must hold diploma in Cartography.
  • Laundry Technician. Must be a holder of Diploma in Laundry Technology.

(1)      Artisans (Certificate Holders):

• Automotive Electrician. Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Automotive Electrician.
  • Carpentry. Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Carpentry.
  • Masonry. Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Masonry.

Electrical. Must hold a Craft/Certificate

k) Painting, Decoration and Signwriter. Must hold an
artisan certificate in painting, decoration and Sign writing.
(l) Catering & Accommodation. Must hold a
Craft/Certificate in Catering & Accommodation.
(m) Plumbing. Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Plumbing.
(n) Truck Drivers. Must hold NTSA Licence class BCE.
6. All interested candidates in the categories specified in Para 4 (General
Service Officer Cadets both Regular and Graduates), Specialist Officers and
Tradesmen/women) are required to submit online applications on:
https://recruit.mod.go.ke to submit your application. For assistance, kindly
contact the Help Desk via rms-helpdesk@mod.go.ke .The deadline for submitting
applications is 12th December 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified
through the Ministry’s website: www.mod.go.ke and print media between 21st and
25th December 2026. NOTE: All applications must be submitted online.
7. General Duty Recruits. The KDF Recruiting Teams consisting of the
Kenya Army, the Kenya Air Force and the Kenya Navy will recruit General Duty
Recruits at the designated Recruitment Centres according to the itinerary
indicated below:
ITINERARY
DATE COUNTY SUB – COUNTY RECRUITMENT CENTRE
MONDAY BARINGO KOLOWA KOLOWA
14 DECEMBER BUNGOMA WEBUYE WEST MATISI
2026 BUSIA BUTULA BUTULA
BUSIA TESO NORTH AMAGORO
BUSIA TESO SOUTH BUSIA
ELGEYO/MARAKWET MARAKWET EAST CHESOI
GARISSA GARISSA GARISSA
GARISSA IJARA MASALANI
GARISSA LIBOI LIBOI
HOMA BAY HOMA BAY HOMABAY
HOMA BAY RACHUONYO EAST KADONGO
KAJIADO KAJIADO NORTH NGONG
KAJIADO KAJIADO WEST KISAMIS
KAJIADO LOITOKTOK LOITOKTOK
KAKAMEGA MATETE MATETE
KIAMBU KIAMBAA KARURI
KILIFI KILIFI SOUTH KIKAMBALA
KISII KISII SOUTH KERINA
KISUMU KISUMU WEST OJOLLA
KITUI KATULANI KATULANI
KITUI TSEIKURU TSEIKURU
KWALE SHIMBA HILLS SHIMBA HILLS
LAIKIPIA KIRIMA OL-MORAN
LAMU LAMU CENTRAL AMU
MANDERA MANDERA EAST MANDERA
MANDERA ARABIA ARABIA
MARSABIT MARSABIT CENTRAL MARSABIT
MARSABIT TURBI BUBISA TURBI
MARSABIT KORR KORR
MERU MERU CENTRAL GATIMBI
MERU AKACHIU MAUA
MIGORI NYATIKE WEST SORI
MURANG’A MATHIOYA KIRIA-INI
MURANG’A GATANGA GATANGA
NAIROBI CITY LANG’ATA NYAYO STADIUM
NAIROBI CITY EMBAKASI NORTH DANDORA STADIUM
NAIROBI CITY EMBAKASI SOUTH VISIONS GROUND/MAKAO BORA
NAKURU NAKURU EAST NAKURU
NAKURU NAKURU WEST KAPKURES
NYAMIRA MASABA NORTH KEROKA
NYANDARUA SOUTH KINANGOP NJABINI
SAMBURU SAMBURU CENTRAL MARALAL
TANA RIVER BANGALE MADOGO
TANA RIVER TARASAA TARASAA
TURKANA KIBISH KIBISH
WAJIR WAJIR EAST WAJIR
WEST POKOT WEST POKOT KAPENGURIA
WEST POKOT POKOT NORTH ALALE
TUESDAY BARINGO TIATY WEST CHEMOLINGOT
15 DECEMBER BUNGOMA BUNGOMA SOUTH BUNGOMA
2026 BUNGOMA BUMULA BUMULA
ITINERARY
DATE COUNTY SUB – COUNTY RECRUITMENT CENTRE
BUNGOMA WEBUYE EAST WEBUYE
BUSIA TESO CENTRAL AMUKURA
ELGEYO MARAKWET MARAKWET WEST KAPSOWAR
GARISSA SANKURI SANKURI
GARISSA BURA EAST BURA
HOMA BAY SUBA CENTRAL SINDO
KAJIADO MASHURU MASHURU
KAJIADO ELANGATA WUAS MAILI 46
KERICHO SIGOWET CHEPKEMEL
KIAMBU NDEIYA NDERU
KILIFI MAGARINI MARAFA
KISII MARANI MARANI
KISUMU SEME KOMBEWA
KITUI KITUI CENTRAL KITUI
KITUI MWINGI EAST MATHUKI
KITUI KYUSO KYUSO
KWALE MATUGA KWALE
LAIKIPIA LAIKIPIA WEST RUMURUTI
LAMU LAMU WEST MPEKETONI
MANDERA KHALALIO KHALALIO
MANDERA LAFEY LAFEY
MARSABIT SAGANTE/JALDESA SAGANTE
MARSABIT MARSABIT SOUTH/ LAISAMIS LAISAMIS
MARSABIT SOLOLO SOLOLO
MERU IGOJI IGOJI
MERU MAUA MAUA
MIGORI NYATIKE SOUTH MUHURU BAY
MOMBASA CHANGAMWE CHANGAMWE
MURANG’A MURANG’A SOUTH KENOL
NAIROBI CITY DAGORETTI NORTH KAWANGWARE PRIMARY SCHOOL
NAIROBI CITY EMBAKASI CENTRAL HURUMA/HURUMA GROUNDS
NAIROBI CITY KASARANI KASARANI MISC (LAURET GARDEN)
NAKURU NAKURU NORTH BAHATI
NAKURU NJORO NJORO
NAROK NAROK EAST NAIREGEA ENKARE
NYAMIRA MANGA MANGA
NYANDARUA NORTH KINANGOP ENGINEER
NYERI TETU WAMAGANA
SAMBURU SAMBURU NORTH BARAGOI
TURKANA TURKANA NORTH LOKITAUNG
VIHIGA LUANDA LUANDA
WAJIR DIFF DIFF
WAJIR WAJIR SOUTH LEHELEY
WEST POKOT KIPKOMO CHEPARERIA
WEST POKOT KACHELIBA KACHELIBA
WEDNESDAY BOMET CHEPALUNGU SIGOR
16 DECEMBER BUNGOMA KIMAETI KIMAETI
2026 BUNGOMA TONGAREN TONGAREN
BUSIA NAMBALE NAMBALE
GARISSA BALAMBALA BALAMBALA
HOMA BAY SUBA SOUTH MAGUNGA
ISIOLO MERTI MERTI
KAJIADO KAJIADO CENTRAL KAJIADO
KAKAMEGA KAKAMEGA CENTRAL KAKAMEGA
KERICHO BELGUT SOSIOT
KIAMBU GITHUNGURI GITHUNGURI
KILIFI KALOLENI KALOLENI
KILIFI MALINDI MALINDI
KISII NYAMACHE NYAMACHE
KITUI LOWER YATTA KYUSYANI
KITUI NUU NUU
KITUI THAGICHU NTHANGANI
KWALE KINANGO KINANGO
LAIKIPIA NYAHURURU NYAHURURU
LAMU LAMU EAST FAZA
MACHAKOS MACHAKOS MACHAKOS
MANDERA MANDERA NORTH RHAMU
MANDERA KOTULO KOTULO
MARSABIT MARSABIT NORTH/ CHALBI MAIKONA
MARSABIT URAN SOLOLO
MERU IMENTI SOUTH/NKUENE-MITUNGUU NKUBU
MERU IGEMBE CENTRAL KANGETA
MIGORI NYATIKE NORTH MACALDER
MURANG’A KANDARA KANDARA
NAIROBI CITY DAGORETTI SOUTH RIRUTA/NDARARUA
STADIUM (BP GROUNDS)
NAIROBI CITY EMBAKASI WEST TENA GROUNDS
ITINERARY
DATE COUNTY SUB – COUNTY RECRUITMENT CENTRE
NAIROBI CITY ROYSAMBU KASARANI MISC (LAURET GARDEN)
NAKURU SUBUKIA SUBUKIA
NAKURU KURESOI SOUTH KERINGET
NAROK NAROK CENTRAL NAROK
NYAMIRA BORABU BORABU
NYANDARUA KIPIPIRI MIHARATI
NYERI NYERI SOUTH OTHAYA
SAMBURU SAMBURU EAST WAMBA
SIAYA BONDO BONDO
TANA RIVER TANA NORTH BURA TANA
TURKANA LOKICHOGGIO LOKICHOGGIO
TURKANA SUGUTA KAPEDO
UASIN GISHU MOIBEN MOIBEN
VIHIGA TIRIKI EAST SHAVIRINGA
WAJIR TARBAJ TARBAJ
WEST POKOT POKOT CENTRAL SIGOR
WEST POKOT POKOT SOUTH KABICHBICH
THURSDAY BARINGO MUKUTANI MUKUTANI
17 DECEMBER BUNGOMA KOPSIRO KOPSIRO
2026 BUSIA BUNYALA BUDALANGI
GARISSA LAGDERA MODOGASHE
GARISSA BOTHAI BOTHAI
HOMA BAY MBITA MBITA
ISIOLO OLDONYIRO OLDONYIRO
ISIOLO CHERAB MALKAGALLA
KAJIADO OLOILILAI NGATATOEK
KAKAMEGA KHWISERO KHWISERO
KAKAMEGA LUGARI LUMAKANDA
KERICHO KERICHO EAST KERICHO
KIAMBU LIMURU LIMURU
KIAMBU LARI LARI
KILIFI CHONYI MWEMBEKATI
KILIFI RABAI RABAI
KISII ETAGO ETAGO
KITUI MIGWANI/MWINGI WEST MIGWANI
KITUI MUMONI KATSE
KWALE MSAMBWENI MSAMBWENI
MACHAKOS KALAMA KYANGALA
MAKUENI MBOONI EAST MBUMBUNI
MANDERA ASHABITO ASHABITO
MARSABIT NORTH HORR NORTH HORR
MARSABIT MOYALE MOYALE
MERU ABOGETA KANYAKINE
MERU MUTUATI MUTUATI
MIGORI MABERA MABERA
MURANG’A KIGUMO KIGUMO
NAIROBI CITY KIBRA JAMHURI GROUNDS
NAIROBI CITY EMBAKASI EAST JACARANDA GROUNDS
NAIROBI CITY MATHARE MATHARE DEPOT PLAY GROUND
NAKURU KURESOI NORTH SIRIKWA
NAROK NAROK SOUTH OLOLULUNG’A
NYAMIRA NYAMIRA SOUTH NYAMIRA
NYANDARUA WANJOHI WANJOHI
NYANDARUA NYANDARUA WEST OL JORO OROK
NYERI MUKURWE-INI MUKURWE-INI
SIAYA RARIEDA MADIANY
TANA RIVER TANA RIVER HOLA
TRANS NZOIA KWANZA KWANZA
TURKANA TURKANA WEST KAKUMA
TURKANA AROO KAINUK
UASIN GISHU SOY ZIWA
VIHIGA VIHIGA MBALE
WAJIR ELDAS SOUTH ELNUR
WAJIR KOTULO WAJIR KOTULO
FRIDAY BARINGO TIATY EAST TANGULBEI
18 DECEMBER BUNGOMA CHEPTAIS CHEPTAIS
2026 BUSIA SAMIA FUNYULA
EMBU EMBU EAST RUNYENJES
GARISSA HULUGHO HULUGHO
HOMA BAY SUBA WEST SENA
ISIOLO ISIOLO ISIOLO
KAJIADO ISINYA ISINYA
KAKAMEGA NAVAKHOLO NAVAKHOLO
KAKAMEGA KABRAS WEST SHIKUTSE
KIAMBU GITHURAI GITHURAI
KIAMBU GATUNDU SOUTH GATUNDU
KILIFI GANZE GANZE
KISII GUCHA SOUTH NYAMARAMBE
ITINERARY
DATE COUNTY SUB – COUNTY RECRUITMENT CENTRE
KISUMU KISUMU CENTRAL KISUMU
KISUMU MUHORONI CHEMELIL
KITUI MWINGI CENTRAL MWINGI
KWALE SAMBURU SAMBURU
KWALE LUNGALUNGA LUNGALUNGA
LAIKIPIA LAIKIPIA NORTH DOLDOL
MAKUENI MAKUENI WOTE
MAKUENI KILUNGU NUNGUNI
MANDERA BANISA BANISA
MARSABIT DUKANA DUKANA
MERU IMENTI EAST MERU TOWN
MIGORI URIRI URIRI
MURANG’A KANGEMA KANGEMA
NAIROBI CITY WESTLANDS KTTC GIGIRI
NAIROBI CITY STAREHE PUMWANI PLAY GROUND
NAIROBI CITY NJIRU RUAI PRIMARY SCHOOL
NAKURU MOLO MOLO
NAROK NAROK AMALO SOGOO
NYAMIRA NYAMIRA NORTH EKERENYO
NYANDARUA GATHANJI NGANO
NYANDARUA ABERDARE SHAMATA
NYERI MATHIRA EAST KARATINA
SIAYA GEM WAGAI WAGAI
TANA RIVER GALLEDYERTU WAYU
THARAKA-NITHI MAARA CHOGORIA
TRANS NZOIA TRANS-NZOIA WEST KITALE
TURKANA TURKANA CENTRAL LODWAR
TURKANA TURKANA SOUTH LOKICHAR
UASIN GISHU ELDORET WEST/ TURBO ELDORET
WAJIR HABASWEIN HABASWEIN
WAJIR WAJIR NORTH BUTE
WAJIR KHOROF HARAR KHOROF HARAR
WAJIR WAJIR WEST GRIFTU
SATURDAY BARINGO KOIBATEK ELDAMA RAVINE
19 DECEMBER BARINGO BARINGO NORTH KABARTONJO
2026 BUNGOMA BUNGOMA WEST SIRISIA
EMBU EMBU WEST EMBU
HOMA BAY NDHIWA NDHIWA
ISIOLO GARBATULLA GARBATULLA
KAKAMEGA KAKAMEGA EAST SHINYALU
KAKAMEGA KABRAS EAST MALAVA
KAKAMEGA MUMIAS WEST MUMIAS
KERICHO BURETI LITEIN
KIAMBU THIKA WEST THIKA
KIAMBU RUIRU RUIRU
KILIFI KAUMA JARIBUNI
KISII KENYENYA KENYENYA
KISUMU KISUMU EAST KIBOS
KISUMU NORTH EAST KANO NORTH EAST KANO
KITUI MUTITU/ZOMBE ZOMBE
MACHAKOS ATHI RIVER ATHI RIVER
MAKUENI NZAUI MATILIKU
MAKUENI MUKAA YOANI
MANDERA MANDERA CENTRAL ELWAK
MANDERA DANDU DANDU
MANDERA KILIWEHIRI KILIWEHIRI
MARSABIT LOIYANGALANI LOYANGALANI
MERU IMENTI NORTH MERU TOWN
MIGORI SUNA WEST PINYOIYE
MOMBASA MOMBASA MOMBASA
MURANG’A MURANG’A EAST MURANG’A
NAIROBI CITY KAMUKUNJI OUR LADY OF MERCY GIRLS PRIMARY
SCHOOL
NAIROBI CITY RUARAKA UTALII COLLEGE SPORTS GROUNDS
NAROK NAROK WEST NG’OSUANI
NYANDARUA NYANDARUA NORTH NDARAGUA
NYANDARUA MIRANGINE MIRANGINE
NYERI MATHIRA WEST KAIYABA
SIAYA GEM YALA YALA
TAITA TAVETA VOI VOI
TANA RIVER TANA DELTA GARSEN
THARAKA-NITHI IGAMBANG’OMBE KATHWANA
TRANS NZOIA SABOTI SABOTI ASSISTANT SUB-COUNTY
COMMISSIONER’S COMPOUND
TURKANA LOIMA LOROGUM
TURKANA TURKANA EAST LOKORI
UASIN GISHU AINABKOI/ ELDORET EAST KAPSOYA
WAJIR BUNA BUNA
WAJIR HADADO HADADO