KDF Recruitment 2025/2026 Dates and Centers, Requirements, Portal
In this article, you will learn about the Kenya Defence Forces, KDF recruitment 2025/2026 dates and centers, requirements, application portal, qualifications needed to join and the appropriate steps on how to successfully apply.
Interestingly, the Ministry of Defence has opt out an official notice that the next Kenya Defence Force (KDF) recruitment exercise shall be conducted online at www.mod.go.ke.
Has it been your desire to join the Kenya Defence Force and serve father’s land in any possible capacity? Whether you wish to join as cadet officer, combat officer, General Service Officer (GSO), regular and graduate cadets, specialist officers, or tradesmen/women etc. then this is the right time.
Before proceeding with application, we indulge you to carefully read and understand what the recruitment process entails. Meanwhile, we shall also address the following questions:
- How Can I Join KDF in 2025?
- Is Kenya Defence Forces Recruitment 2025 Ongoing?
- What is KDF Recruitment News Today 2025?
- What are the dates and centers for recruitment of KDF 2025?
- KDF recruitment and centers
- When is the next KDF Cadet Recruitment in 2025?
- Is KDF Civilian Recruitment Form Out?
- Can I Join KDF with KCSE D+ Mean Grade?
- How Can I apply for Kenya military recruitment 2025?
Functions for Kenya Defence Forces
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) as the name implies is a conglomerate comprises of the Army, Navy, and Air force. Together, the role of these forces include national security, boarder guide, stability, safety of citizens and properties etc.
Also, you can spot KDF as the backbone of the nation’s military strength. Irrespective of the fractions (land, air and water), the force is unified to achieve common goals.
Based on the antecedent of KDF recruitment exercises, it has been proven that many Kenyan youths seek to join the force in other to protect the country and ultimate exhibit patriotism by serving the land.
It is on this note that the force do conduct recruitment to select most suitable, eligible and fit candidates for open vacancies and the 2025 phase is set to commence. Would you like to participate? Continue reading.
Kenya Defence Force Recruitment Vacancies
- General Service Officer (GSO)
- Cadets (Regular and Graduate)
- Specialist Officers
- General Duty Recruits
- Tradesmen/women
- Constables
- Combat Officers
- Driver II
- Artisan (Panel Beater III)
- Artisan (Spray Painter III)
- Artisan (Welder III)
- Artisan III (Tailor)
- Motor Vehicle Electrician etc.
When is the Next KDF Recruitment in 2025?
The latest news today concerning next KDF recruitment in 2025 is that the Kenya Defence Force is set to resume the intake of new personnel online via the official website www.mod.go.ke starting August – September 2025.
Important Info! As of the time this article was published the Kenya Defence Force did not announced the exact commencement date for the next recruitment exercise. Proposed date is our presumption based on previous recruitment dates. You can make further confirmations online at www.applications.mod.go.ke.
KDF Recruitment 2025 Requirements
The general eligibility criteria for the 2025/2026 intake are as follows:
- Citizenship: Only Kenyan citizens by birth are eligible to apply for the defence force recruitment. Indigenes shall show government-issued identity card or travel passport.
- Age Requirements: The acceptable age range for KDF Kenya Defence Force (KDF) recruitment is 18 – 22 years.
- Education: Applicants applying for constables, combat officers etc. must have at least D+ mean grade in K.S.C.E while those going for tradesmen/women, graduate cadets etc. must possess a Diploma or Degree from a recognized institution.
- Fitness/Height: Both male and female applicants must be above 5ft. must also be physically and mentally fit due to the military training involve. Acceptable weight for male applicant is 54.55kg while female is 50.00kg.
- Personal Attributes: Applicant should be able to express self in both verbal and non-verbal form. Good interpersonal skills and team player is an added advantage.
- Professional Certification: Applicants with degree are expected to be member of professional body relevant to their academic discipline.
- Other requirements: Candidates applying must have zero criminal record and should possess clearance certificates as specified in chapter six (6) of the Kenyan constitution.
Qualifications for KDF Jobs 2025
More specifically, below are the academic qualifications required for top role positions:
1. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets: Entry level qualification for this position is KCSE mean grade B (Plain) and C+ (Plus) in English and Mathematics etc. Meanwhile, during training selected persons shall undergo B.Sc. course in Defence and Security studies.
2. Specialist Officers: Applicants of this category must have a degree recognized in Kenya, be a member of relevant professional body and possess D+ mean grade in KCSE. Training for this category shall be for 6 months.
3. Tradesmen/Women: Applicants must have either a Diploma in relevant discipline from a recognized institution or a Certificate in Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II etc.
KDF Recruitment 2025 Dates and Centers
The 2025 recruitment exercise shall be conducted online via the official website www.mod.go.ke. Sequel to this, the physical recruitment centers may not be very relevant.
| S/N | Centers | Dates |
| 1 | Nyandarua | August – September 2025 |
| 2 | Nyeri | August – September 2025 |
| 3 | Kirinyaga | August – September 2025 |
| 4 | Murang’a | August – September 2025 |
| 5 | West Pokot | August – September 2025 |
| 6 | Samburu | August – September 2025 |
| 7 | Trans-Nzoia | August – September 2025 |
| 8 | Uasin Gishu | August – September 2025 |
| 9 | Nakuru | August – September 2025 |
| 10 | Makueni | August – September 2025 |
| 11 | Embu | August – September 2025 |
| 12 | Kitui | August – September 2025 |
| 13 | Machakos | August – September 2025 |
| 14 | Kericho | August – September 2025 |
| 15 | Bomet | August – September 2025 |
| 16 | Kakamega | August – September 2025 |
| 17 | Vihiga | August – September 2025 |
| 18 | Bungoma | August – September 2025 |
| 19 | Busia | August – September 2025 |
| 20 | Siaya | August – September 2025 |
| 21 | Kisumu | August – September 2025 |
| 22 | Narok | August – September 2025 |
| 23 | Kajiado | August – September 2025 |
| 24 | Homa Bay | August – September 2025 |
| 25 | Elgeyo-Marakwet | August – September 2025 |
| 26 | Nandi | August – September 2025 |
| 27 | Baringo | August – September 2025 |
| 28 | Laikipia | August – September 2025 |
| 29 | Kiambu | August – September 2025 |
| 30 | Turkana | August – September 2025 |
| 31 | Migori | August – September 2025 |
| 32 | Kisii | August – September 2025 |
| 33 | Nyamira | August – September 2025 |
| 34 | Nairobi | August – September 2025 |
| 35 | Mombasa | August – September 2025 |
| 36 | Kwale | August – September 2025 |
| 37 | Kilifi | August – September 2025 |
| 38 | Tana River | August – September 2025 |
| 39 | Lamu | August – September 2025 |
| 40 | Taita Mak Taveta | August – September 2025 |
| 41 | Garissa | August – September 2025 |
| 42 | Wajir | August – September 2025 |
| 43 | Mandera | August – September 2025 |
| 44 | Marsabit | August – September 2025 |
| 45 | Isiolo | August – September 2025 |
| 46 | Meru | August – September 2025 |
| 47 | Tharaka-Nithi | August – September 2025 |
Other trending jobs in Kenya today:
How to Apply for Kenya Defence Force Recruitment 2025
To submit application for KDF vacancies, visit the careers portal, select the position that best fits your qualifications, carefully fill the online application form, attach copies of relevant documents, cross check your application and submit.
Documents required for KDF online application are:
- Current National Identity Card or Passport (Back & Front)
- Kenya Certificate of Secondary Certificate (KCSE)
- Diploma, Degree, Certificate or any other relevant qualification.
KDF Jobs Application Deadline 2025
Persons interested to apply for the Kenya Defence Force (KDF) vacancies must submit their application online via the careers portal on or before September 2025. Soon, the specific deadline for submission shall be announced.
The Selection Process
Just like any other recruitment exercise, joining KDF involves three (3) basic stages:
1. Application phase: In this stage, eligible Kenyans interested in vacancies announced does proceed to submit application online at KDF careers portal.
2. Shortlist: When the set application deadline elapse, the management of KDF shall review submitted applications and then release names of most qualified candidates.
3. Screening and Training: This is the final stage where shortlisted candidates are screened, then those who pass the assessment are scheduled for training and then deployment.
Why You Should Join Kenya Defence Force
In as much as joining the force is not an easy nor common task, there are numerous benefits that compensate for that stress and sacrifice. These includes good salary and allowances, healthcare for you and family, pension scheme, government immunity, career stability, respect & honour, adventure & travel etc.
FAQs
Below are seasoned answers to most frequently asked questions about KDF employment:
How Can I Join KDF in 2025?
To join the Kenya Defence Force (KDF) in 2025, you must be a Kenyan citizen between 18 – 22 years, possess valid national ID, D+ mean grade in KCSE, then visit the official careers portal www.mod.go.ke to fill and submit the application form.
Is Kenya Defence Forces Recruitment 2025 Ongoing?
No, the Kenya Defence Forces recruitment has not officially started for 2025. Hopefully, the process will commence between August – September 2025.
What is KDF Recruitment News Today 2025?
The latest news today concerning Kenya Cadet recruitment is that, the application is be done online instead of reporting at physical recruitment centers on assigned dates.
What are the dates and centers for recruitment of KDF 2025?
The dates for KDF cadet recruitment is August – September 2025 across all counties of Kenya.
Is KDF Civilian Recruitment Form Out?
Yes, the Kenya Defence Force Civilian recruitment form is out.
Can I Join KDF with KCSE D+ Mean Grade?
Yes, the minimum qualification to join KDF as a cadet or constable is D+ mean grade in KSCE. Meanwhile Diploma and Degree are of specialist officers.
How Can I apply for Kenya military recruitment 2025/2026?
To apply for Kenya Military recruitment 2025, visit the online jobs portal at www.mod.go.ke/online-portal-required-documents.
Final Thought
KDF recruitment 2025 dates would likely be between August – September 2025 across designated centers across the country. Notwithstanding, the management set intentions to carry out an online recruitment exercise to foster transparency and curb extortion.
