The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise scheduled for December 2026, targeting General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits and Tradesmen and Women.

In a recruitment notice issued by the Ministry of Defence, the exercise will cover both regular and graduate officer cadets, as well as candidates with specialised professional and technical qualifications.

The recruitment is open to eligible Kenyan citizens who meet the stipulated academic, age, medical and physical requirements.

Among the general requirements, applicants must possess a valid Kenyan National Identity Card, have no criminal record and meet the prescribed physical fitness standards.

For General Service Officer Cadets under the regular category, applicants must have attained a minimum KCSE mean grade of B (Plain), with at least C+ in English, Mathematics and one Science subject.

Graduate cadets must also meet these academic requirements and hold a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution.

Meanwhile, General Duty Recruits are required to have a minimum KCSE mean grade of D (Plain), while Specialist Officers must possess relevant university qualifications and professional registration where applicable.

The tradesmen and women category will accommodate diploma and certificate holders in various fields, including engineering, information and communications technology, strategic communication, education, healthcare, mechanics, catering and other technical disciplines.

The Ministry has directed interested candidates in the officer cadet, specialist officer and tradesmen/ women categories to submit their applications online through the official recruitment portal, https://recruit.mod.go.ke.

The application deadline is December 12, 2026.

Shortlisted candidates are expected to be announced through the Ministry of Defence website and print media between December 21 and 25, 2026.

For General Duty Recruits, the exercise will be conducted physically at designated recruitment centres across the country between December 14 and December 28, 2026, according to the recruitment itinerary released by KDF.

The Ministry has further warned members of the public against individuals demanding money to facilitate recruitment, emphasising that the entire exercise is free of charge.

It cautioned that bribery, corruption and other recruitment-related malpractice are criminal offences punishable by law.

Members of the public have been urged to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or military camp, or through the dedicated hotline 0183749488.

KDF has also clarified that biometric verification will be the sole method of identification and verification during recruitment and when candidates report for training.

No calling letters will be issued at either stage.