NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has officially announced its 2025 nationwide recruitment exercise, inviting skilled professionals and aspiring officers to join its ranks. The upcoming intake includes openings for General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, and Tradesmen/women, as well as other specialized roles in fields such as engineering, ICT, mass communication, and legal and supply chain management.
The recruitment exercise is scheduled to take place throughout October 2025. In a statement, the KDF underscored the significance of the opportunity, saying, “The recruitment period offers a unique opportunity to serve your country in a vital, supportive capacity.”
The KDF added that successful applicants will undergo rigorous selection and training processes designed to instill discipline, patriotism, and technical competence.
Prospective applicants are urged to confirm their eligibility for the various positions. For the GSO Graduate Cadets position, a candidate must hold a minimum mean grade of B (Plain) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), with a C+ (Plus) in English, Mathematics, and one science subject.
Additionally, a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution is required. The training for this category will last 15 months.
For GSO Regular Cadets, applicants must also have a minimum mean grade of B (Plain) in KCSE, with a C+ (Plus) in English, Mathematics, and one science subject.
The training period for this group will be three years, culminating in a BSc degree in Defence and Security Studies upon completion.
Specialist Officers must hold a minimum mean grade of B (Plain) in KCSE, with a C+ (Plus) in English, Mathematics, and one science subject. However, this requirement is relaxed for Chaplains/Imams, who must have a minimum mean grade of C+ (Plus).
Applicants must possess a university degree and be registered with a relevant regulatory or statutory body where applicable. Specialist Officer training will be six months.
Also Read: President Ruto announces to expand NYS recruitment to 100,000 youths
The KDF is also recruiting Tradesmen/women in two categories:
- Craft or Certificate holders: Must have a minimum mean grade of D+ (Plus) in KCSE and a relevant certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II from a recognized institution.
- Diploma holders: Must have a minimum mean grade of C (Plain) in KCSE, a relevant diploma or higher from a recognized institution, and be registered with the relevant statutory bodies, where applicable.
Applicants are advised to ensure that all required documents are in order and that they meet all professional and physical standards before attending the recruitment drive.
