KDF Recruitment 2026
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is pleased to announce to the public the upcoming recruitment of General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (Regular and Graduates), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits and Tradesmen/women
which is scheduled to take place in the month of December 2026. KDF Recruitment 2026
Kenya Defence Forces 2026 Recruitment is Open
- Specialist Officers – Chaplaincy
- Specialist Officers – Legal
- Specialist Officers – Medical
- Specialist Officers – Medical Consultants
- Tradesmen/Women – Band/Music
- Tradesmen/Women – Catechists/Maalims
- Tradesmen/Women – Painting, Decoration and Signwriter
- Tradesmen/Women – Catering & Accommodation
- Tradesmen/Women – Plumbing
- Tradesmen/Women – Truck Drivers
- (GSO) Cadets – Regular
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Disaster Management/Security Studies
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Education
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Engineering
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Strategic Communication
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Health Technologist
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Para Legal
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Vehicle Mechanic
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Cartographer
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Laundry Technician
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Automotive Electrician
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Carpentry
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Masonry
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Electrical
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Electrical Installation
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Plant/Crane Operator
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Plant Elect/Mech
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Tailors
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Vehicle Mechanics
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Welders/Fabricators/Fitters General
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Engineering
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Education
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Finance/Business and Human Resource Management
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Geologist
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – GIS
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Hospitality/Catering/Food Production
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Strategic Communication
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Library
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Sports Management
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Strategic Management & Leadership
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Public Administration
- (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Agroforestry
General Conditions
- Be a Kenyan citizen.
- Be a holder of a valid Kenyan National Identity (ID) Card.
- Additionally, candidates are required to bring their original documents together with four (4) copies of their National ID Card, KRA PIN Certificate and Academic Certificates.
- Be within the following age brackets:
- Between 18 and 23 years for Regular GSO Cadets.
- Between 18 and 26 years for Graduate GSO Cadets,
- General Duty Recruits and Tradesmen/Women.
- Not above 30 years of age for Specialist Officers.
- Not above 35 years of age for Medical Consultants.
- Not above 39 years of age for Chaplains/Imams.
- Not above 35 years of age for Catechists/Maalims.
- Have no criminal record.
- Candidates must meet the following minimum physical
- requirements:
- Minimum Height:
- Men 1.60m (5ft 3in).
- Â Women 1.52m (5ft).
- Minimum Weight:
- Men 54.55 kg.
- Women 50.00 Kg.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) range MUST be between 18.5 and 30.0 kg/m2
- Female candidates must NOT be pregnant at the time ofrecruitment and during the entire duration of training.
- Medical. Candidates must be medically fit as per the KDF standards.
- Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women. Should have a minimum of two (2) years practising experience in their field of specialization from the date of registration with the relevant regulatory/statutory body in Kenya.
- The selected potential candidates in every category will undergo finalverification at designated KDF training institutions.
Specialist Officers – Chaplaincy
KDF Recruitment 2026
Minimum Academic Qualifications
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Theology or Islamic studies from a recognized institution. Roman Catholic and Protestant Chaplains must be ordained Ministers and recommended by Episcopal Conference and Archbishop respectively. Imams must be recommended by the Chief Kadhi.
- Must hold the minimum requirement to qualify as GSO Cadet – Regular specified in Para 3.b.(1), hold Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University/Institution and be registered with a regulatory/ statutory body where applicable in any of the disciplines specified under the vacancies listed in Para 4.c. Exemptions are for Chaplains/Imams who must hold a minimum mean grade of C+ (Plus) in KCSE and meet the qualifications specified in Para 4.c.(1). The training period for Specialist Officers will be seven (7) months
Specialist Officers – Legal
KDF Recruitment 2026
Minimum Academic Qualifications
- Must hold a Bachelor’s of Law (LL.B) from a recognized University, be an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, hold a current and valid Practicing Certificate. Certified Public Secretary (CPS) will be an added advantage.
- Must hold the minimum requirement to qualify as GSO Cadet – Regular specified in Para 3.b.(1), hold Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University/Institution and be registered with a regulatory/ statutory body where applicable in any of the disciplines specified under the vacancies listed in Para 4.c. Exemptions are for Chaplains/Imams who must hold a minimum mean grade of C+ (Plus) in KCSE and meet the qualifications specified in Para 4.c.(1). The training period for Specialist Officers will be seven (7) months
Specialist Officers – Medical
KDF Recruitment 2026
Minimum Academic Qualifications
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBChB), Dental Surgery (BDS), Nursing (BScN), Pharmacy (B.Pharm).
- Must hold the minimum requirement to qualify as GSO Cadet – Regular specified in Para 3.b.(1), hold Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University/Institution and be registered with a regulatory/ statutory body where applicable in any of the disciplines specified under the vacancies listed in Para 4.c. Exemptions are for Chaplains/Imams who must hold a minimum mean grade of C+ (Plus) in KCSE and meet the qualifications specified in Para 4.c.(1). The training period for Specialist Officers will be seven (7) months
Specialist Officers – Medical Consultants
KDF Recruitment 2026
Minimum Academic Qualifications
- Must Hold Masters of Medicine (MMed) in Internal Medicine, Radiology.
- Must hold the minimum requirement to qualify as GSO Cadet – Regular specified in Para 3.b.(1), hold Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University/Institution and be registered with a regulatory/ statutory body where applicable in any of the disciplines specified under the vacancies listed in Para 4.c. Exemptions are for Chaplains/Imams who must hold a minimum mean grade of C+ (Plus) in KCSE and meet the qualifications specified in Para 4.c.(1). The training period for Specialist Officers will be seven (7) months
Tradesmen/Women – Band/Music
KDF Recruitment 2026
Minimum Academic Qualifications
- Must hold a Diploma in Music.
- Diploma. 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
- Certificate. A minimum mean grade of D+ (Plus) in KCSE and either a relevant Certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II from a recognized institution.
Tradesmen/Women – Catechists/Maalims
KDF Recruitment 2026
Minimum Academic Qualifications
- Must hold a Diploma in Theology, Catechetical Studies, Religious Studies in Catechists & Pastoral Ministry, Islamic Studies/Sharia or equivalent.
- Diploma. 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
- Certificate. A minimum mean grade of D+ (Plus) in KCSE and either a relevant Certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II from a recognized institution.
Tradesmen/Women – Painting, Decoration and Signwriter
KDF Recruitment 2026
Minimum Academic Qualifications
- Must hold an artisan certificate in painting, decoration and Sign writing.
- Diploma. 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
- Certificate. A minimum mean grade of D+ (Plus) in KCSE and either a relevant Certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II from a recognized institution.
Tradesmen/Women – Catering & Accommodation
KDF Recruitment 2026
Minimum Academic Qualifications
- Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Catering & Accommodation.
- Diploma. 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
- Certificate. A minimum mean grade of D+ (Plus) in KCSE and either a relevant Certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II from a recognized institution.
Tradesmen/Women – Plumbing
KDF Recruitment 2026
Minimum Academic Qualifications
- Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Plumbing.
- Diploma. 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
- Certificate. A minimum mean grade of D+ (Plus) in KCSE and either a relevant Certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II from a recognized institution.
Tradesmen/Women – Truck Drivers
KDF Recruitment 2026
Minimum Academic Qualifications
- Must hold NTSA Licence class BCE.
- Diploma. 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
- Certificate. A minimum mean grade of D+ (Plus) in KCSE and either a relevant Certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II from a recognized institution.
(GSO) Cadets – Regular
KDF Recruitment 2026
Minimum Academic Qualifications
- General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Regular. 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 cover three (3) years leading to a BSc degree in Defence and Security Studies upon completion.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Disaster Management/Security Studies
Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Crisis Response and Disaster Management, Security Studies, Forensics, Peace and Conflict Studies or related fields.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Education
Must hold a Diploma in Education or Applied Linguistics (French, Chinese Mandarin or Arabic). Qualifications in Special Needs Education and Kenya Sign Language is an added advantage.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Engineering
Must hold a Diploma in Architectural Technology or Architecture, Building Technology, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (Construction Option), Material Science, Quantity Survey, Construction Planning Management, Environmental Impact Analysis, Geospatial Information Systems, Physical Planning, Land Survey, Aeronautical Engineering, Electrical & Instrumentation, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Electrical & Electronics/ Telecommunications, Mechanical Engineering (Plant), Electrical & Electronics (Power), Technical Marine Engineering, Marine Engineering Technology (Shipwright), Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology, Technical Marine Electric, Radio/Radar Technology, Hydrographic Surveying, Draughts
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
KDF Recruitment 2026
Must hold a Diploma in System Development, Software Development, Web Design, Network Engineering, System Audit, Telecommunication Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, Forensics, Ethical Hacking, Data Entry/Analyst, Animation/Digital Media, Computer Technician and Print Technology. Candidates MUST possess relevant certifications
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Strategic Communication
KDF Recruitment 2026
Must hold a Diploma in Journalism, Mass Communication, Audio Engineering, 3D Animation, Film/Video Production, Media Studies, Graphic Design and Photography.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Health Technologist
Must hold a Diploma in Clinical Medicine, Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse (KRCHN), Pharmaceutical Technology, Community Oral Health Officer (COHO), Physiotherapy, Medical Imaging Technology.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Para Legal
Must hold a Diploma in Legal studies
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Vehicle Mechanic
Must hold a Diploma in Auto Engineering/Vehicle Mechanic/Vehicle Electric/ Vehicle Technology.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Cartographer
Must hold diploma in Cartography
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Laundry Technician
Must be a holder of Diploma in Laundry Technology
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Automotive Electrician
Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Automotive Electrician.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Carpentry
Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Carpentry
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Masonry
Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Masonry.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Electrical
Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Electrical & Electronics Engineering
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Electrical Installation
Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Electrical Installation.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Plant/Crane Operator
Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Plant Operations.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Plant Elect/Mech
Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Plant Elect/Mech/Tech.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Tailors
Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Tailoring
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Vehicle Mechanics
Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Welders/Fabricators/Fitters GeneralÂ
Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Welding/Fabrication technology
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Engineering
Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Survey, Mechanical and Industrial, Technology in Building Construction, Material and Metallurgical, Civil/Structural, Chemical, Aeronautical/Aerospace/Space, Electrical & Electronics, Telecommunications, Marine, Architecture, Mechatronics, Biochemistry, Environmental Science/Engineering, Urban and Regional/Physical and Land use Planning, Interior design, Nuclear Science, Facility Management or Construction Project management,
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Education
Must hold a B.Ed. Arts/Sciences.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Finance/Business and Human Resource Management
Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, Audit, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Procurement and Contract Management or Human Resource Management.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Geologist
Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Geology.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – GIS
KDF Recruitment 2026
Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in GIS & Remote Sensing or Geospatial Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Hospitality/Catering/Food Production
Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Food Production and/or Catering
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineer/Developer, Hardware Engineer/Developer, Cyber Security, Information Security (Systems), Network Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Information Science or Applied Statistics. Candidates MUST possess relevant certifications.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Strategic Communication
Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communications, Film Production or Graphic Design.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – LibraryÂ
Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Library Studies and Information Science.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Sports ManagementÂ
Must be a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science/Physical Education & Sports.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Strategic Management & Leadership
Must be a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Management & Leadership.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Public Administration
Must be a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration.
(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Agroforestry
Must be a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Agroforestry and Rural Development.
All interested candidates in the categories specified in Para 4 (General Service Officer Cadets both Regular and Graduates), Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women) are required to submit online applications on: https://recruit.mod.go.ke to submit your application.
For assistance, kindly contact the Help Desk via rms-helpdesk@mod.go.ke .The deadline for submitting applications is 12th December 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified through the Ministry’s website: www.mod.go.ke and print media between 21st and 25 th December 2026.NOTE: All applications must be submitted online
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