The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) announced a nationwide recruitment drive for December 2026, targeting General Service Officer (GSO) cadets, specialist officers, general duty recruits and tradesmen and women.

Applicants for GSO cadet, specialist officer and trades categories must submit their applications through the Ministry of Defence’s official recruitment portal by 12 December, after which shortlisted names will be posted between 21 and 25 December.

The General Duty Recruit exercise will be held at designated centres in all 47 counties from 14 to 28 December, with Nairobi venues including Nyayo Stadium, Dandora Stadium and several school grounds.

All candidates must be Kenyan citizens with a valid ID, have no criminal record, meet medical and physical standards, stand at least 1.60 m (men) or 1.52 m (women), weigh a minimum of 54.55 kg (men) or 50 kg (women) and maintain a BMI between 18.5 and 30.0.

Academic thresholds require a minimum KCSE mean grade of B (Plain) with at least C+ in English, Mathematics and one Science for regular GSO cadets; graduate GSO cadets need the same KCSE result plus a recognised bachelor’s degree in a listed discipline; general duty recruits need a KCSE mean of D (Plain).

The Ministry warned that the recruitment is free, any demand for payment is illegal, and urged the public to report bribery or the sale of calling letters via the hotline 0183749488 or to the nearest police station.

Biometric verification will be the sole method of confirming candidate identity during the recruitment and at the reporting stage, and no calling letters will be issued.