The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced changes to age limits and academic requirements for Kenyans seeking to join the military ahead of its December 2026 recruitment exercise, Kenyans.co.ke, has established.
In the recruitment notice, KDF outlined revised eligibility criteria for General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits and Tradesmen and Women.
Among the changes, the military lowered the maximum age for regular GSO cadets from 26 to 23 years, while diploma holders seeking positions as tradesmen and women will now be eligible with a minimum KCSE grade of C- (Minus), down from the previous C (Plain).
"Prospective candidates must satisfy the conditions and requirements given: a minimum mean grade of C- (Minus) in KCSE, a relevant Diploma or above from a recognized institution and be registered with the relevant statutory bodies, where applicable," the notice read in part.
KDF also revised the age limit for tradesmen and women, setting it at between 18 and 26 years, compared to the previous upper limit of 30 years.
Graduate GSO cadets and general duty recruits will, however, retain the 18 to 26-year age bracket as it was in the 2025 recruitment notice.
The military further introduced a specific age limit for Medical Consultants, who must not be above 35 years, while Catechists and Maalims must also be aged 35…