KDF Recruitment 2025 Dates And Centres (All To Know)

The largest Job recruitment exercise in Kenya is the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment, which occurs year after year. Although it is not a job but a call to serve a nation, KDF recruitment is an important exercise that gives all Kenyans an equal opportunity to serve the country.

The Kenyan defence forces have been there since the country achieved its independence in 1963, but they were strongly affirmed after the 2010 constitution was enacted. Through this, the KDF operates under functions given by Article 241 of the Kenyan constitution. KDF composition is made up of three military units: the Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, and Kenya Air Force, each playing different functions within the structure and operations of the KDF

The Kenya Defence Forces are part of the Ministry of Defence, which is headed by the Cabinet Secretary. However, the President of the Republic of Kenya is the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces. A Major General leads each KDF branch.

KDF Recruitment Dates 2025

Is the KDF application form out? When is the KDF Recruitment 2025 starting? You may ask yourself these questions as you read this guide, but worry not. In 2024, the Kenya Defence Forces did not conduct a Nationwide Recruitment process; instead, it was scheduled for 2025, with the dates still unknown.

The Last KDF Recruitment occurred in 2023, officially ending on 8 September 2023. The shortlisting for Specialist Cadets and Tradesmen was announced between 17th and 24th September 2023, with subsequent interviews and reporting dates scheduled later in the year.

Since 2023, the Ministry of Defence, through its social media pages, has been committed to providing accurate information about how the recruitment process is conducted. More recently, in August 2024, the Ministry dismissed any rumours that it would perform the Recruitment process from August 26 to September 9, 2024. You can see the whole press release below:

ALERT ON KDF RECRUITMENT MISINFORMATIONhttps://t.co/IWeqLgU9Zi pic.twitter.com/ehkN5XHmi7

— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) August 19, 2024

So when will KDF Recruitment 2025 start? As of the start of June 2025, the KDF recruitment dates for the 2025 Recruitment Exercise have not yet been announced. Rest assured, this Guide will be updated monthly with new information on the dates once we have a word from the Ministry of Defence, keeping you informed and up-to-date.

Recruitment Centres Across Kenya

For those aspiring to know about the KDF recruitment, understanding where it usually takes place is also vital to your success. Usually, the Process takes place in all 47 counties of Kenya, with the centres assigned to various sub-counties.

Below are all the KDF Recruitment Centres in 2025:

What are the requirements for KDF 2025?

When conducting recruitment exercises, applicants must always meet the eligibility criteria for the advertised positions. If you are a fresh face to this exercise, here are the necessary things that you must ensure you meet, since the process is always competitive, with thousands of Kenyans competing to fill the vacant positions up for grabs.

General Requirements

These apply to all positions, and they include:

• Be a Kenyan citizen with no dual citizenship
• Minimum KCSE mean grade D (plain)
• Have a valid Kenyan National Identity Card and PIN certificate
• Applicants must be between 18 to 26 years
• Applicants must have a clean criminal record
• Applicants must meet all the medical and fitness requirements for KDF recruitment.
• The minimum height for male applicants is 1.60m (5ft 3in), and for women, 1.52m (5ft)
• The minimum weight for male candidates is 54.55 Kg (120 lb) and 50 Kg (110 lb) for female counterparts.
• Female candidates must NOT be pregnant during recruitment and the entire duration of training.

Specific Requirements for Different Positions

In addition to the general requirements, each KDF position has specific academic and professional qualifications that applicants must fulfil. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements for some key positions:

General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets

• Must hold a minimum mean grade of B (Plain) in KCSE with C+ (Plus) in English, Mathematics, and one (1) Science subject.
• The training period for this category will last three (3) years and, upon completion, lead to a BSc degree in Military Science and Security Studies.

Specialist Officers.

• Must meet the minimum requirement to qualify as a GSO Cadet, except for Chaplains/Imams, who must hold a minimum mean grade of C+ (Plus) in KCSE.
• Must be a degree holder from a recognised University/Institution and be registered with a regulatory/statutory body, where applicable
• The training period for Specialist Officers will be six (6) months.

Tradesmen/women.

• Diploma. Must have a minimum mean grade of C (Plain) in KCSE
• Certificate. Must have a minimum mean D+ (Plus) KCSE grade and a relevant Certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II from a recognised institution.
• National Youth Service (NYS) trained Technicians or Artisans who meet the above requirements are encouraged to apply.

Constables

• Be a retired Kenya Defence Forces Service Member or a retired National Youth Serviceman/woman.
• You must be between 30 and 55 years old to be a retired KDF and between 35 and 45 years old to be a retired NYS.
• Possess a Discharge Certificate with a minimum rating of “Very Good” in conduct.
• Must have served for nine (9) years of Colour Service and retired honourably from KDF

KDF Application portal

KDF recruitment applications are usually done online if you meet the requirements above. However, online applications only apply to any position other than specialist officers, tradesmen, and women.

To make your application, it is simple; follow the process below:

• Visit the KDF Recruitment Portal and locate the recruitment portal
• If you’re a first-time applicant, you must create an account on the portal.
• Once you’ve logged in, you can access the application form. Fill out the form carefully and accurately, ensuring all information is correct and up-to-date.
• You’ll need to upload scanned copies of your supporting documents, including your National ID, academic certificates (KCSE, diplomas, degrees, etc.), and any other documents specified in the recruitment announcement
• Before submitting your application, review all the information you provided to ensure accuracy. Once you’re satisfied, click the “Submit” button.

The KDF recruitment process is a free and fair Process that requires no pay. KDF warns all applicants to participate or engage in malpractice to influence the recruitment process. If you are caught participating in such, you will be arrested and prosecuted in our Kenyan Court of Law.

KDF Contacts

If you need assistance, you can reach the Ministry directly by using the contacts attached below:

• Address: Ulinzi House, Lenana Road, Nairobi
• Postal Address: P.O. Box 40668 – 00100 Nairobi
• Telephone: +254 20 2712054
• Fax: +254 20 2722270
• Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Questions And Answers

The End

And there you have it. We hope this article has helped you understand the KDF recruitment process in 2025. As of the article’s writing, KDF has not yet announced when the Process will likely start, and we encourage you to keep checking with us or visit KDF’s official social media platforms to stay updated. In the meantime, the article has listed the requirements for various Positions that you can make sure you meet before applying for any Job positions when announced