How to Apply for KDF Recruitment Application Form

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is conducting a recruitment drive in October 2025, seeking applications for multiple roles including General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (both Regular and Graduates), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen/Women, and Defence Forces Constables. Interested, eligible candidates are urged to read through the criteria carefully and apply within the timelines provided.

Is KDF Recruitment 2025 Out?

Yes. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment for 2025 is officially out. The Ministry of Defence released the recruitment advert on 14th September 2025, announcing opportunities for General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (Regular & Graduate), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen/Women, and Defence Forces Constables. The recruitment exercise will begin in October 2025 across various counties and sub-counties. (mod.go.ke)

• Download the advert confirms the application deadline is 12th October 2025.
• Shortlisted candidates will be notified via print media between 21st and 24th October 2025.

Key Highlights

• The recruitment is FREE and open to all qualified Kenyans.
• Any form of bribery or malpractice to influence the recruitment process is a criminal offence. Suspected incidents can be reported through KDF hotlines or nearest police stations.
• Applications for most categories must be submitted online via the official recruitment portal.

Who Can Apply: General Conditions & Academic Requirements

General Conditions

To be eligible, candidates must satisfy the following:

1. Citizenship & Identification
   • Must be Kenyan citizens.
   • Must have a valid Kenyan National Identity Card. When applying, candidates bring original documents plus four (4) copies of the National ID, KRA PIN Certificate, and academic certificates.
2. Age Limits
   • General Service Officer (Cadets – Regular & Graduates) and General Duty Recruits: 18 to 26 years.
   • Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/Women: not above 30 years.
   • Chaplains/Imams: not above 39 years.
3. Good Character
   • No criminal record.
   • Must be medically fit according to KDF standards.
4. Physical Requirements
   • Minimum height: 1.60 m (men), 1.52 m (women).
   • Minimum weight: 54.55 kg (men), 50.00 kg (women).
   • Body Mass Index (BMI) must be below 30.
   • Female candidates must not be pregnant at time of recruitment and throughout the training period.
5. Experience Where Required
   • Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women must have at least two years’ practice experience in their specialty from the date of registration with any relevant regulatory/statutory body.
6. Final Verification
   • If selected provisionally, candidates will undergo verification at designated KDF training institutions.

Academic / Professional Qualifications by Category

Category	Minimum Academic/Professional Requirements
GSO Cadets – Regular	KCSE mean grade B (Plain), with C+ in English, Mathematics, and one science subject. Training lasts 3 years, leads to BSc in Defence & Security Studies.
GSO Cadets – Graduate	As above (KCSE requirement), plus a Bachelor’s degree in one of the specified disciplines. Training period: 15 months.
Specialist Officers	Bachelor’s degree in relevant field; registration with regulatory body where applicable. (Chaplains/Imams have additional religious qualifications.) Training duration: 6 months.
General Duty Recruits	Minimum mean grade D (Plain) in KCSE. Candidates who have undergone NYS training are at an advantage.
Tradesmen/Women	Two paths: Diploma holders: At least C (Plain) in KCSE + relevant diploma + registration where needed. Certificate & Artisan (Craft) holders: At least D+ (Plus) in KCSE + relevant certificate/craft/trade test Grade II.
Defence Forces Constables	Retired KDF service members or National Youth Service (NYS) personnel: Must have served appropriately, be within specified age ranges, with discharge certificate (conduct rating “Good”).

Specific Vacancies / Fields of Study

The KDF is recruiting in a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Disaster Management, Security Studies, Forensics, Peace & Conflict Studies
• Engineering fields (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Telecommunications, Mechatronics etc.)
• Education (various subjects, special needs, foreign languages)
• ICT: Software/Hardware Engineering, Cybersecurity, AI & Robotics, Network Engineering, etc.
• Finance / Business / HR / Procurement & Contract Management
• Health & Medical: Nursing, Medicine, Dental Surgery etc.
• Others: Geology, Sports Science/Management, Strategic Communication, Library Studies, Hospitality etc.

Trades and artisan specialities include many technical and craft-based skills: electricians, carpentry, automotive, plumbing, welders, tailors, etc.

Also Read: Job Vacancies at Middle East Bank Kenya

How & Where to Apply

• Online Application:
  For GSO Cadets (Regular & Graduates), Specialist Officers, and Tradesmen/women, applications are to be submitted through the official portal: recruit.mod.go.ke. Must be completed by 12th October 2025.
• General Duty Recruits & Defence Forces Constables:
  These roles require physical presence at designated recruitment centres. The recruitment teams (Army, Navy, Air Force) will follow a schedule across counties/sub-counties starting 13 October 2025, according to itinerary.
• Shortlisting:
  Those shortlisted for further assessment or training will be notified via print media between 21st and 24th October 2025.

KDF Recruitment 2025 Closing Date

The deadline for submitting online applications for General Service Officer Cadets, Specialist Officers, and Tradesmen/Women is 12th October 2025. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Recruitment for General Duty Recruits and Defence Forces Constables will be done physically at the designated recruitment centres starting 13th October 2025. Shortlisted candidates will then be announced between 21st and 24th October 2025 through official print media.

Important Dates & Itinerary

• Application deadline for online submissions: 12th October 2025.
• Recruitment Centres open from 13 October 2025 for General Duty Recruits & Defence Forces Constables.
• Notification of shortlisted candidates: 21-24 October 2025.

For the recruitment centres, there is a detailed county and sub-county itinerary covering many locations across Kenya. This ensures candidates from different regions have access without excessive travel.

Warnings & Code of Conduct

• The recruitment process is free. Any demands for payment, bribes, or favors are illegal. Anyone soliciting money to assist in getting a job with KDF should be reported.
• All candidates must be honest in their submissions. Forged documents, false claims or misrepresentation will lead to disqualification, and possibly legal action.
• Female applicants must ensure they are not pregnant at time of recruitment and training, as per KDF policy.

What Happens After You Apply

1. Application Review: Your submitted documents are checked to see if you meet the minimum qualifications and general conditions.
2. Shortlisting: If eligible, you may be shortlisted and notified via print media (for most categories) to attend further assessments.
3. Physical & Medical Tests: Those called in will undergo physical fitness, height/weight, medical fitness assessments.
4. Training: Once cleared, you’ll begin your training depending on the role you’ve applied for (duration varies: e.g. 3 years for GSO Regular, 6 months for Specialist Officers, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No. The recruitment process is free. Any person or entity demanding a fee, bribe, or favor for processing your application is acting illegally.

Q: Can I apply if I have done NYS training?
A: Yes. For General Duty Recruits, having done the National Youth Service (NYS) gives you an added advantage but is not strictly mandatory.

Q: I am older than the stated age in one category but younger in another. Can I apply for the category with higher age limit?
A: Yes, you may apply under the category for which you meet the age and other criteria. Each category (GSO, Specialist, Trades, etc.) has its specific age bracket. Make sure you refer to the correct one.

Q: Can I apply for more than one role (e.g., Specialist Officer and General Duty Recruit)?
A: The advertisement doesn’t explicitly state that you cannot apply for more than one role. However, doing so may complicate your application, or one application may disqualify another. It’s safer to apply only to the role you meet all criteria for best.

Q: What documents should I have ready when applying?
A: At a minimum: original and copies of your National ID, KRA PIN certificate, academic certificates, any registration certificates (for specialized professions), and evidence of practice experience if required.

Tips

• Start early: Gather all your documents in advance, and ensure they are valid, original, and correctly certified if needed.
• Check the official website (Ministry of Defence / KDF) regularly for updates or changes.
• Stick to integrity: Don’t fall for fraudulent offers or promise of expedited selection in exchange for payment.
• Physical fitness matters: Even if you meet academic requirements, failing medical or physical fitness tests could disqualify you.
• Keep proof of your application submission: screenshots, copies, etc., in case there’s any dispute or confusion.

Final Note

The Kenya Defence Forces recruitment for 2025 presents a great opportunity for young, disciplined, and patriotic Kenyans to serve their nation. If you meet the qualifications and requirements, ensure you apply before the stated deadlines and attend the recruitment exercise at your designated county or sub-county centre.

Remember, the recruitment is completely free of charge, avoid fraudsters or individuals who may try to solicit money in exchange for promises of securing a slot. Only apply through the official KDF recruitment portal and follow the official instructions.

For more updates on KDF Recruitment 2025, other government job opportunities, and step-by-step application guides, always visit RecruitmentGurus.com.ng your trusted source for timely and reliable recruitment information.