KDF Recruitment 2026 – Kenya Defence Forces 2026 Recruitment is Open

KDF Recruitment 2026

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

  1. Specialist Officers – Chaplaincy
  2. Specialist Officers – Legal
  3. Specialist Officers – Medical
  4. Specialist Officers – Medical Consultants
  5. Tradesmen/Women – Band/Music
  6. Tradesmen/Women – Catechists/Maalims
  7. Tradesmen/Women – Painting, Decoration and Signwriter
  8. Tradesmen/Women – Catering & Accommodation
  9. Tradesmen/Women – Plumbing
  10. Tradesmen/Women – Truck Drivers
  11. (GSO) Cadets – Regular
  12. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Disaster Management/Security Studies
  13. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Education
  14. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Engineering
  15. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
  16. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Strategic Communication
  17. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Health Technologist
  18. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Para Legal
  19. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Vehicle Mechanic
  20. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Cartographer
  21. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Laundry Technician
  22. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Automotive Electrician
  23. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Carpentry
  24. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Masonry
  25. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Electrical
  26. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Electrical Installation
  27. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Plant/Crane Operator
  28. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Plant Elect/Mech
  29. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Tailors
  30. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Vehicle Mechanics
  31. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Artisans (Certificate Holders) – Welders/Fabricators/Fitters General
  32. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Engineering
  33. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Education
  34. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Finance/Business and Human Resource Management
  35. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Geologist
  36. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – GIS
  37. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Hospitality/Catering/Food Production
  38. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
  39. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Strategic Communication
  40. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Library
  41. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Sports Management
  42. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Strategic Management & Leadership
  43. (GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Public Administration
  44. (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).
    •  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 General 

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 – Library 

Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Library Studies and Information Science.


(GSO) Cadets – Graduates – Sports Management 

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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