These are the recruitment requirements one must meet in order to join the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) as of 2022.
The recruitment will be looking for General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (Undergraduate degree holders), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen/ women and Defence Forces Constables.
The Kenya Defence Forces are the armed forces of the Republic of Kenya which comprise the Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, and Kenya Air Force. They are all responsible for the defence and protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Kenya.
The Kenya Army protects the country against external land-based attacks, the Kenya Air Force protects Kenya’s air space from attacks while the Kenya Navy ensures that Kenyan waters are safe from piracy, sea-borne attacks and any other prohibited activities.
The Kenya army is headquartered in the Department of Defence (DoD), Hurlingham, Nairobi. On the other hand, the Kenya Air Force is headquartered in the Moi Air Base, Eastleigh, Nairobi. The Kenya Navy is headquartered in Mtongwe, Mombasa.
Below are the recruitment requirements one must meet in order to join the Kenya Defence Forces.
General Requirements
1. Be a Kenyan citizen with no dual citizenship.
2. Be in possession of a valid Kenyan National Identity Card (ID). Additionally, four copies of the National Identity Card and PIN Certificate will be required.
3. Age – Between 18 and 26 years old for GSO Cadets, General Duty Recruits and Tradesmen/women with Certificate/Government Trade Test, not above 30 years for Specialist Officers, Tradesmen/women with Diploma, and not above 39 years for Chaplains/Imaams.
4. Be physically and medically fit in accordance with the KDF standards.
5. Have no criminal record.
6.Minimum Height:
(a) Men 1.60m (5ft 3in).
(b) Women 1.52m (5ft).
(7) Minimum Weight:
(a) Men 54.55 Kg (120 lb).
(b) Women 50.00 Kg (110 lb).
8. Female candidates must NOT be pregnant at the time of recruitment and during the entire duration of training.
9. Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women should have a minimum of two (2) years practising experience in their field of specialisation from the date of registration with the relevant regulatory/statutory body in Kenya.
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Recruitment Centers and Dates
Minimum Academic Qualifications
1. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets
Must hold a minimum mean grade of B (Plain) in KCSE with C+ (Plus) in English, Mathematics and one Science subject. The training period for this category will cover three (3) years leading to a BSc degree in Military Science and Security Studies upon completion.
2. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadet – Undergraduate Degree Holders.
Must hold the minimum requirement to qualify as GSO Cadet and be a holder of an undergraduate degree from a recognized University/ institution. The training period for this category will be eleven (11) months.
3. Specialist Officers
Must hold the minimum requirement to qualify as GSO Cadet in (1) above except for Chaplains/Imaams who must hold a minimum mean grade of C+ (Plus) in KCSE. Must be a holder of an undergraduate degree from a recognized University/institution and be registered with a regulatory/statutory body. The training period for Specialist Officers will be six (6) months.
4. Servicemen/women (General Duty) Recruits
Must hold a minimum mean grade of D (plain) in KCSE.
5.Tradesmen/women
Prospective candidates willing to apply must satisfy the conditions and requirements given below;
a) Technicians. A minimum mean grade of C (Plain) in KCSE, a relevant Diploma or above from a recognized institution and be registered with the relevant statutory bodies, where applicable.
b) Artisans. 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.
c) National Youth Service (NYS) trained Technicians or Artisans who meet the above requirements are encouraged to apply.
6. Constables
- Be a retired Kenya Defence Forces Service Member or a retired National Youth Serviceman/woman.
- Be between the ages of 30 and 55 years old for retired KDF and between 35 and 45 years old for retired NYS.
- Possess a Discharge Certificate with a minimum rating of “Very Good” in conduct.
- Must have served for nine (9) years Colour Service and retired honourably from KDF.
Vacancies
a. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Undergraduate Degree Holders
- Air Traffic Control Officer. Must hold a BSc in Air Traffic Control.
- Architecture. Must hold a BSc in Architecture.
- Business Manager. Must hold a Bachelor of Commerce (Operations Management Option) or BA in Business Management.
- Catering. Must hold a BA in Hospitality Management.
- Co-operative/Insurance Expert. Must hold a BSc in Actuarial Science.
- Counselling. Must hold a BSc in Counselling Psychology.
- Disaster Management. Must hold a BA in Disaster Management.
- Education. Must hold a BEd degree in Biology/Geography/History/Physics.
- Engineering. Must hold either a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Instrumentation and Control, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Option), Mechanical Engineering (Metallurgy Option), Mechanical Engineering (Production Option), Mechatronics Engineering, Quantity Surveying or Telecommunication Engineering.
- Environment Specialist. Must hold a BSc in Environmental Science. (11) Geologist. Must hold a BSc in Geology.
- Financial Management. Must hold a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance or Accounting Option).
- Fire Officer. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Fire Science.
- Flight Safety Officer. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Air Traffic Management/ Safety Management.
- Food Production. Must hold a BSc in Food Production.
- Information Technology. Must hold either a BSc in Computer Science (Software Development), Computer Science (Hardware), IT (Cyber Security), IT (Information Security) or IT (Network Administration).
- Journalist. Must hold a BA in Media and Communication.
- Lawyer. Must hold a Bachelors of Law (LL.B) degree.
- Librarian. Must hold a BSc in Library and Information Science.
- Meteorologist. Must hold a BSc in Meteorology Science.
- Meteorology Engineer. Must hold a BSc in Meteorology Engineering.
- Nutritionist. Must hold a BSc in Food Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Oceanographer. Must hold a BSc in Oceanography.
- Personnel Records Management. Must hold a BSc in Records and Information Management.
- Physical Fitness Expert/Trainer. Must hold a BEd in Physical Education. (
- Provost Officer. Must hold a BSc in Criminology/Security Studies/Forensics.
- Sports Management. Must hold a BA in Sports Management.
- Stores Management and Procurement. Must hold a BA in either Supply Chain Management, Procurement or Purchase.
- Surveyor. Must hold a BSc in Survey.
- Textile Technologist. Must hold a BSc in Textile Manufacturing Engineering
Specialist Officers Academic Qualifications
(1) Actuary. Must hold a BSc in Actuarial Science.
(2) Architect. Must hold a BSc in Architectural Science and be registered with BORAQS.
(3) Archivist. Must hold a BSc in Information Science.
(4) Aqua Facility Manager. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Sports Science or Physical Education with a certification in life saving from a recognized institution.
(5) Business Specialist. Must hold a Bachelors degree in either Finance, Banking, Economics, Co-operative Management or Commerce from a recognized
university. Two years’ experience in Front Office Service Activities (FOSA) or Auditing will be an added advantage.
(6) Chaplain (Anglican). Must hold a Bachelors degree in Theology from a recognized institution. Chaplains must be ordained Ministers and recommended by Episcopal Conference.
(7) Cyber Security Expert. Must hold a BSc in Computer Science/IT/Computer Engineering. Certification in Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) & EC – Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) will be added advantage.
(8) Curator. Must hold a Bachelor of Education (History).
(9) Database Administrator. Must hold a BSc in Computer Science/IT/Computer Engineering & Oracle, Structured Query Language (SQL) Server.
(10) Dentist. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Dental Surgery and be registered with the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (MPDB).
(11) Digital Forensics Expert. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Computer Security/
Forensics & Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certification.
(12) Education Officer (Masters). Must hold a Masters degree in Education (Geography/History/French).
(13) Education Officer. Must hold a Bachelor of Education (Science).
(14) Field Sports Management Officer. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Exercise and Sport Science or Physical Education.
(15) Geospatial Engineer. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Geospatial engineering
and registered be with ISK.
(16) Geomatician. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Geomatic Engineering/GIS and be registered by ISK.
(17) Indoor Arena Management Officer. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Sports and Exercise Science.
(18) Laboratory Officer. Must hold a BSc In Laboratory Medicine.
(19) Legal Officer. Must hold a Bachelors of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognized University, be an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, hold a current and valid Practicing Certificate and at least two (2) years practising experience
in litigation. Certified Public Secretary (CPS) certification holders are highly advised to apply.
(20) Mechanical Engineer. Must hold a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and be
registered with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).
(21) Medical Officer. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Medicine and Surgery and be registered with Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (MPDB).
(22) Music Instructor. Must hold a Bachelors of Music degree and two (2) years
experience. Experience in Brass and Reeds instrument is an added advantage.
(23) Network Administrator. Must hold a BSc in Computer Science/IT/Computer Technology & CCNA.
(24) Nursing Officer. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Nursing and be registered with the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK).
(25) Occupational Therapist. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Occupational Therapy.
(26) Pharmacist. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Pharmacy and be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB).
(27) Physiotherapist. Must hold a BSc in Physiotherapy.
(28) Producer/Director. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Film Production (TV/ Radio Production).
(29) Psychologist. Must hold a BA in Counselling Psychology.
(30) Public Health Officer. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Public Health/Environmental Health and be registered with Public Health Officers and Technicians Council (PHOTC).
(31) Radiology Officer. Must hold a BSc in Radiography.
(32) Real Estate Manager. Must hold a degree in either Real Estate Management, Property Development & Valuation or professional qualification approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
(33) Recreation and Outdoor Officer. Must hold a Bachelors degree in Recreation Management.
(34) Research and Development Officer. Must hold a Masters degree in Food Science/Animal Health.
(35) Speech Therapist. Must hold either a Bachelors degree in Speech Therapy or Bachelors degree in Occupational Therapy with a Masters degree in Speech Therapy.
(36) Software Developer. Must hold a BSc in Computer Science/IT/Computer
Engineering & Java, Python, C#, C++ or JavaScript.
(37) Stadia/Complex Manager. Must hold either a Masters in Sports Science, Recreation and Sports Management, Bachelors in Sports Science or Recreation and Sports with a management/business course.
(38) Veterinary Doctor. Must hold a degree in Veterinary Medicine and be registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB).
Tradesmen/women (Diploma Holders) Academic Qualifications
(1) Aerospace Ground Equipment Technician. Must hold a diploma in Mechanical
Engineering (Plant).
(2) Airframes & Engines Technician. Must hold a diploma in Aeronautical
Engineering (KNEC).
(3) Analytical Chemist Microbiologist. Must hold a diploma in Microbiology.
(4) Animal Production Assistant. Must hold a diploma in Animal Production.
(5) Aquatic Facility Attendant. Must hold a diploma in either Sports Science or
Physical Education with certificate in life saving from a recognized institution.
(6) Archivist. Must hold a diploma in Information Science.
(7) Armament Technician. Must hold a diploma in Electrical & Electronics
Engineering (Power Option).
(8) Bandsmen and women. Must hold a diploma in Music. Experience in Brass
and Reeds instruments will be an added advantage.
(9) Boiler Operator. Must hold a diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Boiler Operations Option).
(10) Camera Operator. Must hold a diploma in Film/Video Programme Production
(Camera option).
(11) Canning Operator. Must hold a diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Plant option).
(12) Cartographer. Must hold a diploma in Cartography.
(13) Chemical Engineer. Must hold a diploma in Chemical Engineering.
(14) Community Oral Health Nurse. Must hold a diploma in Community Oral
Health.
(15) Computer Technician. Must hold a diploma in Computer Hardware Repair.
(16) Co-operative Management. Must hold a diploma or above in Co-operative Management. One (1) year experience in Co-operative management will be an added advantage.
(17) Cyber Security Expert. Must hold a diploma in Cyber Security/Cyber Crime.
(18) Counsellor. Must hold a diploma in Counselling.
(19) Counselling Psychologist. Must hold a diploma in Counselling Psychology.
(20) Critical Care Nurse. Must hold a diploma in Critical Care Nursing.
(21) Database Administrator. Must hold a diploma in Computer Science/IT/ Computer Engineering & Oracle, SQL Server or MySQL Server.
(22) Digital Forensics Expert. Must hold a diploma in Computer Security/Forensics with Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certification.
(23) Education Instructors. Must hold a diploma in Education.
(24) Electrical & Instruments Tech. Must hold a diploma in Electrical & Instruments (KNEC).
(25) Farm Assistant. Must hold a diploma in Agriculture or Agri-Business.
(26) Field and Sports Administrator. Must hold a diploma in Sports Administration.
(27) Food Analyst. Must hold a diploma in Food Analytical Chemistry/Food Nutrition.
(28) Food Scientist. Must hold a diploma in Food Science.
(29) Food Microbiologist. Must hold a diploma in Food Microbiology.
(30) Food Technologist. Must hold a diploma in Food Technology.
(31) Floor Manager. Must hold a diploma in Film/Video Programme Production
(Production & Directing option).
(32) Gaffer/Light & Electrical Manager. Must hold Advanced Diploma in Broadcast
Engineering.
(33) Geographic Information System (GIS) Technician. Must hold a diploma in GIS.
(34) Graphics & Production Designer. Must hold a diploma in Animation/Graphic
Design and Proficiency in MS Publisher and Adobe Suite.
(35) Indoor Arena and Racket Sports Attendant. Must hold a diploma in Sports Science or Physical Education.
(36) Journalist. Must hold a diploma in Journalism.
(37) Kenya Enrolled Community Health Nurse (KECHN)/Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse (KRCHN). Must hold a diploma in Nursing.
(38) Laundry Technician. Must hold a diploma in Laundry Technology.
(39) Librarian. Must hold a diploma in Library/Information Science.
(40) Machine Shop Operator. Must hold a diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
(41) Machinist. Must hold a diploma in Machine Operations.
(42) Meat Grader. Must hold a diploma in either Animal Health, Certificate in Abattoir Operation or Meat Inspection [Must be registered with the Kenya Veterinary Paraprofessional Association (KVPA) or Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) and gazetted].
(43) Medical Engineer. Must hold a diploma in Medical Engineering.
(44) Medical Laboratory Technician. Must hold a diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology.
(45) Medical Recorder. Must hold a diploma in Medical Records
(46) Neonatal Nurse. Must hold a Higher National Diploma in Neonatal Nursing.
(47) Network Technician. Must hold a diploma in IT/Networking and Fibre Optics.
(48) Occupational Therapist. Must hold a diploma in Occupational Therapy.
(49) Optometrist . Must hold a diploma in Optometry.
(50) Paediatric Nurse. Must hold a Higher National Diploma in Paediatric Nursing.
(51) Pharmacy Technician. Must hold a diploma in Pharmacy.
(52) Photogrammetrist. Must hold a diploma in Photogrammetry.
(53) Physiotherapist. Must hold a diploma in Physiotherapy.
(54) Plant Mechanic. Must hold a diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Plant option).
(55) Print Technician. Must hold a diploma in Printing Technology.
(56) Procurement Clerk. Must hold a diploma in Supply Chain Management.
(57) Psychiatric Nurse. Must hold a Higher National Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing.
(58) Public Health Technician. Must hold a diploma in Public Health.
(59) Radiographer. Must hold a diploma in Medical Imaging Science.
(60) Radar Technician. Must hold a diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering/ Telecommunications Engineering (KNEC).
(61) Radio Technician. Must hold a diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (KNEC).
(62) Recreation and Outdoor Attendant. Must hold a Diploma in Recreation Management.
(63) Registered Clinical Officer (RCO) – Anaesthetist. Must hold a Higher National
Diploma in Anaesthetics.
(64) Registered Clinical Officer (RCO). Must hold a diploma in Clinical Medicine (Registered).
(65) Software Developer. Must hold a diploma in Computer Science/IT/ Computer Engineering & Proficiency in Java, PHP, Python, C#, C++.
(66) Sound Technician. Must hold a diploma in Film/Video Programme Production (Sound option).
(67) Speech Therapist. Must hold a diploma in Occupational Therapy with a Higher
National Diploma in Speech Therapy.
(68) Systems Auditor. Must hold a diploma in System Auditing.
(69) System/Network Administrator. Must hold a diploma in Computer Science/
IT/Computer Technology & Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA).
(70) Tax Administrator. Must hold a Diploma or above in Tax Administration.
(71) Theatre Nurse. Must hold a Higher National Diploma in Theatre Nursing.
(72) Vehicle Mechanic. Diploma in Auto/Motor Vehicle Mechanics.
(73) Veterinary Technologist. Must hold a diploma in Animal Health.
(74) Vision Mixer Operator. Must hold a diploma in Film/Video Programme Production (Production & Directing option).
(75) Video Editor. Must hold a diploma in Film/Video Programme Production (Editing option).
(76) Web Designer. Must hold a diploma in Media Technology/IT/Computer Science/Computer Technology with Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript and Word Press.
Artisans (Certificate Holders)
(1) Carpenter. Must hold a Certificate/Craft in Carpentry and Joinery.
(2) Cook. Must hold a certificate in Food Production.
(3) Electrical Technician. Must hold a Certificate/Craft in Electrical and Electronics
Engineering.
(4) Fitter. Must hold a Certificate/Craft in Welding and Fabrication.
(5) Mason. Must hold a Certificate/Craft in Masonry and Brick Laying.
(6) Tailor. Must hold a Certificate/Craft in Tailoring.
(7) Vehicle Mechanic. Must hold a Certificate/Craft in Auto Engineering or
Vehicle Mechanics
A Detailed CV should include Height and Weight, Clear photocopies of relevant academic Certificates, professional body membership Certificate and current National Identity Card (ID) MUST be attached to the application and addressed to the:
Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces
(Personnel and Logistics)
Ministry of Defence
Defence Headquarters
Ulinzi House
P O Box 40668 – 00100
NAIROBI
Recruitment Dates
The dates have not yet been announced, we will update once available.
If you have any further questions, Kindly contact the Ministry Of Defence through +254202721100, publicaffairs@mod.go.ke or through @kdfinfo on Twitter for prompt responses.