Will there be KDF recruitment in 2025? Yes, there is already one. The Kenya Defence Forces has officially announced its 2025 recruitment drive, which will start this October, with the application process starting on September 15th and is expected to conclude on October 12th.
The last KDF recruitment exercise was in 2023, and thus, this year’s event is vital, especially for candidates or applicants who are looking to join the Army. Like all Previous recruitment exercises, the activity is usually conducted on site, but also online through the KDF recruitment Portal.
Still, accessing the online KDF recruitment has become a challenge for many Kenyans. Therefore, if you are one of the many, here is everything that you need to know to make your application.
KDF Recruitment 2025 dates and centres
First, before we dive deep into how to access the KDF portal and possibly apply for any Job positions on it( More details on this later), we need to understand all about the KDF Recruitment exercise. The event is usually conducted on a yearly basis, except for the year 2024, when it didn’t take place. However, for 2025, the KDF recruitment is for the recruitment of General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (Regular and Graduates, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen/women, and
Defence Forces Constables.
As mentioned previously, the application process will occur throughout September, with the deadline set for 12 October 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be notified through the print media between 21st and 24th October 2025.
The Recruitment exercise is usually conducted across all 47 Counties In Kenya. If you want a detailed list of all Recruitment campaigns and their Key dates, I invite you to check this article, where I have gone into detail about each.
How to Access the KDF Portal
So, if you are wondering how to apply for KDF recruitment online, then you will be glad to know that KDF Online applications are specific to the following positions only: Regular and Graduate General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, and Tradesmen/Women. The General Duty Recruits and Defence Forces Constables must visit the Variius recruitment centres that we have already discussed above.
The KDF Portal is available at https://recruit.mod.go.ke/, or you can access it easily via the Ministry of Defence website. However, for you to access the website, you must ensure that the positions you are applying for are the ones that are specific to the portal. In addition, you must ensure that you have the following Documents ready, as they will be required from you.
- A copy of your national ID Card( Back and Front in PDF OR JPEG only)
- Your KCSE Certificate in PDF Format
- Your Education Certificates (Master’s, Degree, Diploma) and any other relevant certificates, all in PDF form.
Step-by-Step Account Registration
The KDF portal has now been revamped with a clean, professional look, making it easier for one to easily apply for any advertised Job vacancy. However, before you proceed with Job applications, you must have an active account. Here is how to register on the KDF portal:
- Visit the official portal using the link https://recruit.mod.go.ke/ and click on get started.
- Next, verify that you are a human by tapping on the Recaptcha button and clicking on Submit.
- In the next window, proceed to provide your details, such as your Email address, Phone Number, and password, and Tap on Next.
- Proceed to enter the OTP sent to your mobile number
- Next, proceed to upload a clear Image of your ID. The system will automatically scan your ID and fill the rest of the registration form for you. Once everything is confirmed, click on Agree to the Terms and Conditions and then click on Submit.
KDF Recruitment Portal Login
Once you register, the system will automatically redirect you to your accounts dashboard. If you have created an account or already have one, visit the recruitment portal and click on login to access your account.
For the first time, account holders will be prompted to complete their profiles. Just click on the link presented to you to proceed with the following steps:
- Start uploading your photo and click on next
- Next, provide your full personal information ( Here select your Home county, Sub county, Division, Tribe, and Height, weight, and Body mass, which is autocalculated)
- Upload your KRA Certificate. The KRA PIN will fill automatically.
- The next step is filling in your Secondary Education. On this step, you are to choose whether you are an intentional student or not. If not, you will need to upload your KCSE certificate, and the system will fill in your Grades automatically.
- Next, under Higher education, proceed to enter your HIGHEST level of education (e.g., if you have both a diploma and a degree, only enter the degree). Here again, you are to upload your certificate
- The next window asks you to fill out the Service Information. Here, you indicate whether you have served at NYS or in the KDF before you can choose either Yes or No.
- Next, proceed to finalise uploading your Profile by submitting your Birth Certificate
Once you are done with this process, you can proceed to apply for any Vacancies available
KDF Job Vacancies
For the 2025 Recruitment exercise, the KDF has advertised about 42 Job vacancies, which are as follows:
- GSO Cadets – Regular
- GSO Cadets – Graduates: Disaster Management/Security Studies
- 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: Social Work
- GSO Cadets – Graduates: Sports Management
- Specialist Officers: Chaplaincy
- Specialist Officers: Engineers
- Specialist Officers: Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Specialist Officers: Strategic Communication
- Specialist Officers: Legal
- Specialist Officers: Medical
- Specialist Officers: Finance Management
- Tradesmen/Women: Vehicle Mechanics
- Tradesmen/Women: Band/Music
- Tradesmen/Women: Catechists/Maalims
- Tradesmen/Women: Education
- Tradesmen/Women: Engineering
- Tradesmen/Women: Finance/Business Management
- Tradesmen/Women: Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Tradesmen/Women: Strategic Communication
- Tradesmen/Women: Library
- Tradesmen/Women: Medical
- Automotive Electrician
- Carpentry
- Electrical
- Electrical Installation
- Plant/Crane Operator
- Plant Elect/Mech
- Tailors
- Vehicle Mechanics
- Welders/Fabricators/Fitters General
- Painting and Decoration
- Catering & Accommodation
- Plumbing
Note
Only the GSO Cadets (Regular and Graduate in all listed specialisations), Specialist Officers (all categories), and Tradesmen/Women can apply through the KDF recruitment portal.
What are the requirements for the Defence forces in Kenya?
Applying for the Various KDF positions demands that you, as an applicant, have to meet job-specific requirements in addition to the portal requirements we have discussed above. Some of the General eligibility criteria that apply to all applicants are as follows:
- You must be a Valid Kenyan Citizen
- You must be able to produce the following documentation (Tradesmen/Women – Certificate Holders (Artisans)
) - You must have no criminal record
- You must be medically fit as per KDF standards
- Female candidates must not be pregnant during recruitment and training
In addition, the following are the requirements for the job positions only featured on the KDF Recruitment portal:
GSO) Cadets – Regular
| Category | Age Requirement | Academic Qualification | Physical Requirements | Training Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GSO Cadets – Regular | 18-26 years | Minimum B (Plain) in KCSE with C+ in English, Mathematics, and one Science subject | Height: Men 1.60m, Women 1.52m Weight: Men 54.55kg, Women 50kg BMI below 30 | 3 years (leading to BSc in Defence and Security Studies) |
GSO Cadets – Graduate
| Specialization | Age Requirement | Academic Qualification | Physical Requirements | Training Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disaster Management/Security Studies | 18-26 years | Bachelor’s in Criminology, Disaster Management, Security Studies, Forensics, Peace and Conflict Studies or related | Height: Men 1.60m, Women 1.52m Weight: Men 54.55kg, Women 50kg BMI below 30 | 15 months |
| Engineering | 18-26 years | Bachelor’s in Quantity Survey, Mechanical, Civil/Structural, Aeronautical/Aerospace/Space, Electrical & Electronics, Telecommunications, Marine, Architecture, Mechatronics, Biochemistry, Environmental Science/Engineering, Urban Planning, Interior Design, Nuclear Science, Facility Management or Construction Project Management | Height: Men 1.60m, Women 1.52m Weight: Men 54.55kg, Women 50kg BMI below 30 | 15 months |
| Education | 18-26 years | B.Ed. Arts (Geography, History, Business Studies, Economics, French or Arabic) or Master’s/Bachelor’s in Applied Linguistics (French, Arabic or Chinese Mandarin) | Height: Men 1.60m, Women 1.52m Weight: Men 54.55kg, Women 50kg BMI below 30 | 15 months |
| Finance/Business & HR Management | 18-26 years | Bachelor’s in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, Audit, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Procurement and Contract Management or Human Resource Management | Height: Men 1.60m, Women 1.52mWeight: Men 54.55kg, Women 50kg BMI below 30 | 15 months |
| Geologist | 18-26 years | Bachelor’s in Geology | Height: Men 1.60m, Women 1.52m Weight: Men 54.55kg, Women 50kg BMI below 30 | 15 months |
| GIS | 18-26 years | Bachelor’s in GIS & Remote Sensing or Geospatial Engineering | Height: Men 1.60m, Women 1.52m Weight: Men 54.55kg, Women 50kg BMI below 30 | 15 months |
| Hospitality/Catering/Food Production | 18-26 years | Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management, Food Production and/or Catering | Height: Men 1.60m, Women 1.52m Weight: Men 54.55kg, Women 50kg BMI below 30 | 15 months |
| ICT | 18-26 years | Bachelor’s in Software Engineer/Developer, Hardware Engineer/Developer, Cyber Security, Information Security, Network Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Information Science or Applied Statistics | Height: Men 1.60m, Women 1.52m Weight: Men 54.55kg, Women 50kg BMI below 30 | 15 months |
| Strategic Communication | 18-26 years | Bachelor’s in Journalism, Mass Communications, Film Production or Graphic Design | Height: Men 1.60m, Women 1.52m Weight: Men 54.55kg, Women 50kg BMI below 30 | 15 months |
| Library | 18-26 years | Bachelor’s in Library Studies and Information Science | Height: Men 1.60m, Women 1.52m Weight: Men 54.55kg, Women 50kg BMI below 30 | 15 months |
| Social Work | 18-26 years | Bachelor’s in Community Development | Height: Men 1.60m, Women 1.52m Weight: Men 54.55kg, Women 50kg,BMI below 30 | 15 months |
| Sports Management | 18-26 years | Bachelor’s in Sports Science | Height: Men 1.60m, Women 1.52m,Weight: Men 54.55kg, Women 50kg,BMI below 30 | 15 months |
Specialist Officers
| Specialization | Age Requirement | Academic Qualification | Experience Requirement | Training Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaplaincy | Not above 39 years | Bachelor’s in Theology or Islamic Studies. Catholic/Protestant must be ordained and recommended by Episcopal Conference/Archbishop. Imams recommended by Chief Kadhi | Minimum 2 years practicing experience | 6 months |
| Engineers | Not above 30 years | Bachelor’s in Nautical Science, Marine/Naval Architecture, Architecture or Civil/Structural Engineering | Minimum 2 years practicing experience with relevant regulatory body | 6 months |
| ICT | Not above 30 years | Bachelor’s in Software Engineering or Artificial Intelligence & Robotics | Minimum 2 years practicing experience with relevant regulatory body | 6 months |
| Strategic Communication | Not above 30 years | Bachelor’s in Journalism, Mass Communications, Film Production or Graphic Design | Minimum 2 years practicing experience with relevant regulatory body | 6 months |
| Legal | Not above 30 years | Bachelor’s of Law (LL.B), Advocate of High Court of Kenya, valid Practicing Certificate. CPS is added advantage | Minimum 2 years practicing experience with relevant regulatory body | 6 months |
| Medical | Not above 30 years | Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery, Nursing or Medicine and Surgery | Minimum 2 years practicing experience with relevant regulatory body | 6 months |
| Finance Management | Not above 30 years | Bachelor’s in Accounting, Finance, Banking or related fields | Minimum 2 years practicing experience with relevant regulatory body | 6 months |
Tradesmen/Women – Diploma Holders
| Category | Age Requirement | Academic Qualification | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band/Music | Not above 30 years | Diploma in Music | Minimum 2 years practicing experience |
| Catechists/Maalims | Not above 30 years | Diploma in Theology, Catechetical Studies, Religious Studies in Catechists & Pastoral Ministry, Islamic Studies/Sharia or equivalent | Minimum 2 years practicing experience |
| Education | Not above 30 years | Diploma in Education or Applied Linguistics (French, Chinese Mandarin or Arabic). Special Needs Education and Kenya Sign Language is advantage | Minimum 2 years practicing experience |
| Engineering | Not above 30 years | Diploma in various engineering fields including Architectural Technology, Automotive Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronics, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, etc. | Minimum 2 years practicing experience with relevant regulatory body |
| Finance/Business Management | Not above 30 years | Diploma in Accounting, Finance or Banking. CPA and ICPAK membership is advantage | Minimum 2 years practicing experience with relevant regulatory body |
| ICT | Not above 30 years | Diploma in Ethical Hacking, Forensics, Cyber Security, Computer Tech, Software Development, Web Design, System Audit or AI & Robotics | Minimum 2 years practicing experience with relevant regulatory body |
| Strategic Communication | Not above 30 years | Diploma in Journalism, Mass Communication, Audio Engineering, Media Production, Film/Video Production, Graphic Design, Public Relations, Photography | Minimum 2 years practicing experience with relevant regulatory body |
| Library | Not above 30 years | Diploma in Library & Information Science | Minimum 2 years practicing experience with relevant regulatory body |
| Medical | Not above 30 years | Diploma in KRCHN, PharmTech, Medical Health Records, Community Oral Health (Dental Therapy) or Physiotherapy | Minimum 2 years practicing experience with relevant regulatory body |
Tradesmen/Women – Certificate Holders (Artisans)
| Trade | Specific Certificate Required |
|---|---|
| Automotive Electrician | Craft/Certificate in Automotive Electrician |
| Carpentry | Craft/Certificate in Carpentry |
| Electrical | Craft/Certificate in Electrical & Electronics Engineering |
| Electrical Installation | Craft/Certificate in Electrical Installation |
| Plant/Crane Operator | Craft/Certificate in Plant Operations |
| Plant Elect/Mech | Craft/Certificate in Plant Elect/Mech/Tech |
| Tailors | Craft/Certificate in Tailoring |
| Vehicle Mechanics | Craft/Certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics |
| Welders/Fabricators/Fitters | Craft/Certificate in Welding/Fabrication Technology |
| Painting and Decoration | Artisan Certificate in Painting and Decoration |
| Catering & Accommodation | Craft/Certificate in Catering & Accommodation |
| Plumbing | Craft/Certificate in Plumbing |
How To Apply for KDF Recruitment Vacancy
For the GSO Cadets, Specialist Officers, and Tradesmen/Women, you are required to make your application via the Jobs Portal. The application is done via the Kdf Portal, but you must make sure that you have completed updating the information and meeting the requirements for your Job category, as we have covered both above:
To apply for a vacancy on the portal, here is what you need to know:
- On the same KDF portal at https://recruit.mod.go.ke, make sure that you are logged in
- On the left sidebar of your dashboard, click on Vacancy Panel. You will be taken to a tab where you can see all the advertised jobs.
- Choose any vacancy that you want, given that you have met its requirements
- On the application Tab, proceed to choose sub-subcategory and Vacancy you want to apply for and click on the Blue apply button
- When done with the application click on the apply button to submit your application
How to check if you have been shortlisted
After successfully submitting your KDF application through the portal, you will receive an immediate confirmation email. In addition, on the KDF portal, on the side bar, once you have applied for your desired Job under the applied Tab on the side panel, you can keep track of any Job position you have applied for previously.
According to KDF Information, the shortlisting of applicants is expected to be out between 21st and 24th October 2025
FAQs
When was KDF recruitment 2025?
The recruitment for 2025 is scheduled to take place countrywide in October 2025, with applications open until October 12, 2025
How to apply for KDF online?
To apply online, visit the KDF recruitment portal at https://recruit.mod.go.ke. Register by signing up with your email and phone number, verify via OTP, fill out your personal information, then select and apply for your preferred vacancy
What is the starting salary of KDF per month?
A recruit in training (cadet) starts at about Ksh. 7,172 monthly, while a Private earns approximately Ksh. 19,941 to Ksh. 30,000. Salaries increase with rank.
How much does it cost to join KDF?
It is free of charge
How much military pay?
Pay depends on rank and experience. For example:
| Rank | Monthly Salary (KES) |
|---|---|
| Cadet (in training) | 7,172 |
| Private | 20,000 – 30,000 |
| Captain | 73,182 – 110,000 |
| Major | 102,106 – 150,000 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | 130,735 – 180,000 |
| Colonel | 153,317 – 300,000 |
| Lieutenant General | 632,984 – 800,000 |
| Chief of Defence Forces | 894,897 – 1,200,000 |
