KDF Recruitment: 2026 Status and Requirements
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) · Last checked 12 November 2026
No 2026 intake advertised yet
As of the date checked, the Ministry of Defence website carries no 2026 recruitment notice for uniformed categories.
The last KDF intake ran countrywide in October 2025, for General Service Officer (GSO) cadets, specialist officers, tradesmen and tradeswomen, and other specialised roles.
KDF announces each intake through the Ministry of Defence and the national press. When the 2026 notice is published, this page will carry its dates and requirements.
Requirements at the last intake (October 2025)
From the October 2025 advert as reported by Citizen Digital. Each new advert sets its own rules, including age limits.
- GSO graduate cadets: KCSE mean grade B (plain) with C+ in English, Mathematics and one science subject, and a bachelor’s degree. Training takes fifteen months.
- GSO regular cadets: KCSE mean grade B (plain) with C+ in English, Mathematics and one science subject. Training takes three years and leads to a BSc in Defence and Security Studies.
- Specialist officers: KCSE B (plain) with C+ in English, Mathematics and one science subject (C+ mean grade for chaplains and imams), a degree, and registration with the relevant professional body where applicable.
- Tradesmen and tradeswomen (craft or certificate): KCSE mean grade D+ and a relevant certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II.
- Tradesmen and tradeswomen (diploma): KCSE mean grade C (plain), a relevant diploma or higher, and registration with the relevant statutory body where applicable.
How to apply
- Wait for the official notice from the Ministry of Defence (mod.go.ke), also published in the national newspapers. It names the application route, the recruitment centres and the dates.
- Tradespeople: a Government Trade Test certificate takes time. NITA runs trade tests in April, August and December, so book early.
Recruitment is free
KDF recruitment is free. Anyone promising a place for money is a fraudster - report them to the police.
Open adverts from Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on the board
Tradesman/Woman
at Kenya Defence Forces · Kenya
Posted yesterday
General Duty Recruit
at Kenya Defence Forces · Recruitment centres across Kenya
Posted yesterday
Specialist Officer
at Kenya Defence Forces · Kenya · contract
Posted yesterday
General Service Officer Cadet - Graduate
at Kenya Defence Forces · Kenya
Posted yesterday
General Service Officer Cadet - Regular
at Kenya Defence Forces · Kenya
Posted yesterday
Common questions
Is KDF recruitment 2026 open?
Not yet. As of the date checked, the Ministry of Defence has not published a 2026 recruitment notice for uniformed categories. The last intake ran in October 2025.
What do KDF tradesmen need?
At the last intake: KCSE D+ with a relevant certificate and Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II, or KCSE C (plain) with a relevant diploma and statutory registration where applicable.
Do I pay anything to join KDF?
No. KDF recruitment is free at every stage. Never pay anyone who claims they can secure you a slot.