The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will hold a nationwide recruitment exercise in December 2026, offering positions for officer cadets, general duty recruits, and specialist professionals.
In a notice issued on Thursday, November 12, the Ministry of Defence said KDF will recruit General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (both Regular and Graduate), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, and Tradesmen and women.
Recruiting teams will conduct the General Duty Recruit exercise at designated centers across the country from December 14 to 28.
Candidates for GSO Cadet, Specialist Officer and Tradesmen and Women positions must apply through the Ministry’s official recruitment portal by December 12. The Ministry will publish the names of shortlisted candidates on its website and in print media between December 21 and 25.
General requirements
Applicants must be Kenyan citizens with a valid national identity card and no criminal record. They must also meet the medical and physical standards set out in the recruitment notice.
The minimum height is 1.60 metres for men and 1.52 metres for women. Men must weigh at least 54.55 kilogrammes and women at least 50 kilogrammes. Applicants must have a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30.0.
Age limits vary by category. Regular GSO Cadet applicants must be between 18 and 23 years old.
