KDF Recruitment 2025 Email Notification, Dates & Centers

ByRF Team

KDF Recruitment 2025 Email Notification, Dates & Centers: The Kenya Defence Forces recruitment 2025 being the most anticipated national recruitment exercise has commence. This year’s recruitment aims to bring in new General Service Officer Cadets, Specialist Officers, Tradesmen and Tradeswomen, and General Duty Recruits.

Many applicants have been asking when the recruitment dates will start, how to know their recruitment centre, and whether KDF will send email notifications.

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This detailed guide explains everything about the KDF recruitment 2025, outlining the online application process and timelines to the full list of county recruitment centers and what every applicant should expect.

About the KDF Recruitment 2025

The Kenya Defence Forces conducts annual recruitment to strengthen the ranks in its army, navy, and air force. The 2025 exercise is the government’s effort to improve national security through disciplined and qualified service members.

The process is transparent, free, and open to all eligible Kenyan citizens. Applicants are strongly advised to avoid middlemen or anyone claiming to have influence in the process.

The KDF recruitment exercise includes several phases, starting with online application, shortlisting, print notification, and physical recruitment. Each stage must be completed correctly for an applicant to stand a chance.

KDF Recruitment 2025 Important Dates

The 2025 KDF recruitment process follows a strict schedule.

  1. Application deadline: 12 October 2025
  2. Recruitment exercise: 13 October to 25 October 2025
  3. Shortlist announcement: Between 21 and 24 October 2025
  4. Screening and interviews: Each county and sub-county have specific scheduled dates

The application must be submitted through the official KDF recruitment portal before the closing date. Late submissions are not accepted, and incomplete applications are automatically disqualified.

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KDF Recruitment 2025 Email Notification and Shortlist Updates

While it might already be hovering the internet by now, please note that the Kenya Defence Forces have not confirmed any use of email notifications for shortlisted candidates. The official mode of communication remains public announcements through official KDF or Ministry of Defence press releases.

So, you be on the safer side, keep monitoring newspapers and official government bulletins between 21 and 24 October 2025. If you have gotten any email or message claiming to be an official KDF shortlist, treat it with caution.

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KDF Recruitment 2025 Centres and Dates

Each county has specific venues and dates where candidates must report for physical screening. Attendance outside your assigned county or sub-county will lead to automatic disqualification.

Tuesday, 14 October 2025

  • Baringo County: Tiaty West – Chemolingot
  • Bungoma County: Bumula, Bungoma South, Webuye East
  • Busia County: Teso South
  • Elgeyo Marakwet County: Marakwet West – Kapsowar
  • Garissa County: Garissa Central Grounds
  • Homa Bay County: Suba Central – Magunga
  • Kajiado County: Ngong, Mashuru (Kajiado North)
  • Kericho County: Sigowet
  • Kiambu County: Kiambaa (Karuri Grounds)

Wednesday, 15 October 2025

  • Baringo County: Mukutani
  • Bungoma County: Kimaeti, Tongaren
  • Busia County: Teso Central – Amukura
  • Garissa County: Dadaab
  • Homa Bay County: Suba South – Magunga
  • Isiolo County: Merti
  • Kajiado County: Elangata Wuas (Maili 46), Kajiado Central
  • Kakamega County: Kakamega Central – Kakamega Showground
  • Kericho County: Belgut – Sosiot
  • Kiambu County: Ndeiya (Nderu Grounds)
  • Kilifi County: Rabai
  • Kisii County: Nyamache

The recruitment will go on in all remaining counties between 16 and 25 October 2025. Each location will host candidates from surrounding sub-counties according to the public announcement.

How to Apply for KDF Recruitment 2025/2026

1. Visit the official KDF recruitment portal via mod.go.ke, register an account and provide all necessary information (personal details, contact address, qualifications) in the online form accurately.

2. Upload required documents; National ID, birth certificate, academic certificates, and passport-size photo.

3. Once you are done, go on with the submission and ensure this is before the deadline as applications received later than 12 October 2025 will be rejected.

Open the completion of the application, kindly wait for publication on the shortlist, and if you are shortlisted, which you will know between 21 and 24 October 2025, proceed to reporting at your designated county venue on the exact date with your original documents for verification.

Requirements and Qualifications

To be eligible for the 2025 KDF recruitment, candidates must meet the following general criteria:

  • A Kenyan citizen with no dual nationality.
  • A holder of a valid National Identity Card.
  • Only candidates between the age of 18 and 26 years old are needed for General Duty Recruits, not above 30 years for Special officers, Tradesmen/women, less than 39 for chaplains and imams
  • You must possess a minimum mean grade of D (plain) in KCSE.
  • Physical and medical fitness with no health complications are demanded
  • Applicants must have a good moral character and no criminal record.
  • Minimum height for men is 1.60 meters tall and 1.52 meters tall for women. 
  • Minimum weight for men is 54.55 kg and 50.00 kg for women with BMI below 30
  • Female candidates must not be pregnant at any phase of the recruitment
  • With registration with a relevant statutory body in Kenya, special officers, tradesmen/women must have a minimum of 2 years experience in their fields

Minimum Academic Requirements

1. General Service Officer (GSO) cadets – Graduate Degree Holders

  • At least a bachelor’s degree holder from a recognized institution
  • Willingness to undergo a training period of 15 months
  • Satisfy all requirements to qualify as GSO cadet in Para 3.b (1) above

2. Special Officers

  • Satisfy all requirements to qualify as GSO cadet in Para 3.b (1) above exception of Chaplains/Imams
  • A degree holder and registered with any legitimate statutory body in any disciplines listed at Para 4.c
  • Willingness to complete a minimum of 6 months training

3. Tradesmen/Women

  • Must hold a minimum of Diploma from a recognized institution
  • A relevant certificate with government Trade Test Grade II or craft II from a registered body

4. Constables

  • Must be a retired Kenya Defence Forces Service Member or retired National Youth Serviceman/woman
  • Age range of 30 to 55 for retired Kenya Defence Forces Service Member and 35 to 45 for retired National Youth Serviceman/woman
  • Served for about 9 years Color Service and retired honorably from KDF

Every other position is required to possess a minimum of bachelor’s degree in their respective fields.

Required Documents for the Recruitment 

Applicants attending the physical recruitment must carry:

  • Original and photocopy of National ID.
  • Academic and professional certificates.
  • Birth certificate. 
  • Four recent passport-size photographs.
  • Comfortable sportswear and running shoes.
  • KRA pin certificate and academic certificate.

No personal or unauthorized items are allowed at the recruitment grounds. All exercises will include physical fitness assessments, medical checks, and document verification.

Important Information

  • KDF recruitment is free. Do not pay any person claiming to secure you a slot.
  • Anyone caught attempting to bribe officials will be prosecuted.
  • All applicants must appear in person; no representatives are accepted.
  • Save this tab and always check back from time to time for updated details.

To all candidates who have been shortlisted, we are wishing you the best of luck in contributing to the country’s national security. 

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