KDF Recruitment 2025/2026 | Key Dates, Centers & How to Apply

KDF Recruitment 2025/2026: The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) comprising the Kenya Army, Navy, and Air Force will conduct its 2025/2026 recruitment drive across all 47 counties. The exercise includes recruitment of General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen/Women, Cadets, and Specialist Officers.

Is KDF Recruitment 2025 Out?

Yes. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment for 2025 is officially out.

Official Recruitment Dates for KDF Recruitment

• The recruitment is tentatively scheduled 14th September 2025 to 12th October 2025.

Recruitment Centers by County

• Exercise will take place in designated centers in every sub-county across all 47 counties, giving access to local applicants.
• Examples for Nairobi: Jamhuri Grounds, Embakasi, Lang’ata, Westlands, Kasarani, etc.
• County-specific centers :
  • Nyandarua – Chemolingot
  • Nyeri – Nyeri Central
  • Baringo – Kabartonjo
  • Uasin Gishu – Eldoret
  • Mombasa – Changamwe
  • (and others listed in schedule).

Eligible Counties

KDF invites candidates from all 47 counties of Kenya to apply, reflecting the diverse representation of the nation.

Nairobi	Mombasa	Homa Bay
Tharaka-Nithi	Kajiado	Meru
Narok	Isiolo	Kisumu
Marsabit	Siaya	Mandera
Wajir	Garissa	Taita Mak Taveta
Kilifi	Tana River	Lamu
Kwale	Samburu	Busia
Kakamega	Vihiga	Bungoma
Bomet	Kericho	Machakos
Kitui	Embu	Makueni
West Pokot	Nakuru	Nyamira
Kisii	Migori	Turkana
Kiambu	Nyeri	Nyandarua
Murang’a	Laikipia	Nandi
Kirinyaga	Baringo	Elgeyo-Marakwet
Trans-Nzoia	Uasin Gishu

Eligibility Requirements

Age Limits:

• General Recruits (GD): 18 to 26 years
• Tradesmen/Women: 18 to 30 years
• Specialist Cadets (graduates): up to 30 years

Education:

• General Duty: minimum KCSE mean grade D (Plain)
• GSO Cadets: degree with at least Second-Class Honors
• Trades: diploma or certificate in relevant field

Physical & Health Standards:

• Height: Min. 1.60 m (men), 1.52 m (women)
• Weight: ≥54.5 kg (men), ≥50 kg (women)
• No tattoos or body piercings, good vision/hearing
• No criminal record; medically and physically fit

Other Criteria:

• Kenyan citizenship by birth
• Valid National ID
• No corruption or intermediaries; official recruitment is free

Also Read: 

• Jobs at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi 
• Jobs at Ilara Health Kenya (2025 Guide)
• Jobs at Tangaza University College
• Enumerator Jobs at the Ministry of Labour & Social Protection Kenya
• Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Kenya Recruitment

How to Apply for KDF Recruitment

1. To Apply for KDF recruitment, visit the official recruitment portal: https://recruit.mod.go.ke/
2. Gather required documents:
   • National ID
   • KCSE certificate (or degree/diploma)
   • Birth certificate
   • Testimonials or trade certificates (for specialist roles)
3. Attend your scheduled center in sports attire. Undergo:
   • Physical fitness and endurance tests
   • Medical screening
   • Document verification
   • Aptitude assessment and interviews (for cadets and specialists)
4. Await shortlisting results, which are typically published via print media or local offices after assessments.

Tips for Success

• Begin physical training early, focus on stamina, runs, push-ups, and overall fitness.
• Ensure documents are organized and genuine.
• Be respectful and disciplined at the venue.
• Avoid intermediaries promising guaranteed placement recruitment is free and merit-based.

Summary Table

Item	Details
Recruitment Date	14th September 2025 to 12th October 2025
Locations	All 47 counties, venue varies by county
Age Limits	18 to 26 (General); up to 30 (Specialist)
Education	D Plain min. (General); Degree for Cadets
Height / Weight	1.60 m & 54.5 kg (men); 1.52 m & 50 kg (women)
Fee	Free

FAQs

Q: If I’m selected, what training will I undergo and how long will it take?
A: It depends on the role:

• GSO Cadets (Regular): 3 years leading to a BSc in Defence & Security Studies.
• GSO Cadets (Graduate): 15 months training.
• Specialist Officers: 6 months training.
• Other roles have different training lengths and content depending on whether they are general duty, artisan, trade roles, etc.

Q: Where will recruitment exercises be held?
A: For General Duty Recruits and Defence Forces Constables, there are multiple recruitment centres across many counties and sub-counties. The advert provides a detailed itinerary starting from 13 October 2025. If you live in Kenya, check whether your county/sub-county is listed.

Q: How will I know if I’ve been shortlisted?
A: Shortlisted candidates will be announced in print media between 21st and 24th October 2025. Keep an eye on newspapers as well as official KDF communication channels.

Q: What are the physical fitness minimums I need to meet?
A: Minimum height and weight requirements: Men must be at least 1.60 m and weigh at least 54.55 kg. Women must be at least 1.52 m and weigh at least 50 kg. BMI must be under 30. Female candidates must not be pregnant during recruitment/training.

Q: I’ve retired from KDF or NYS. Can I apply as a Constable?
A: Yes. The advert allows for retired KDF service members and retired NYS personnel to apply for the role of Defence Forces Constables under certain conditions (age, discharge with good conduct, years of service, etc.).

Q: Can I apply for multiple categories?
A: Yes, but each role must meet its own requirements and applications are submitted separately.

Q: Are females eligible?
A: Yes. The KDF recruits eligible female candidates in all categories subject to meeting standards.

Q: How are shortlisted candidates notified?
A: Through official channels, newspapers, SMS, or local County offices. No phone calls or intermediaries.

Q: What if I miss my assigned date?
A: Each sub-county has a fixed date. Late arrivals or wrong venues result in disqualification.

Final Thoughts

The KDF 2025 recruitment window is expected to run from 14th September 2025 to 12th October 2025, with local venues arranged per county. Whether you’re a graduate, certificate holder, or general applicant, preparing well in advance is crucial.

• Know your assigned date and center
• Meet all physical and academic requirements
• Stay updated via official Ministry of Defence channels and avoid scams
• Bring all required documents and present them honestly