The prospective candidates willing to join the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) must meet the following eligibility criteria, requirements, and academic qualifications.
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KDF Requirements and Eligibility
Here are the requirements and eligibility criteria to join Kenya Defence Force (KDF)
- Be a Kenyan citizen.
- Be a holder of a valid Kenyan National Identity (ID) Card. Additionally, the candidates must bring with them the original and four (4) copies of their National ID Card, KRA PIN Certificate, and Academic certificates.
Be within the following age brackets:
- Between 18 and 26 years for GSO Cadets and General Duty Recruits.
- Not above 30 years of age for Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women.
- Not above 39 years of age for Chaplains/Imams.
- Have no criminal record.
Candidates must meet the following minimum physical requirements:
Minimum Height:
- Men 1.60m (5ft 3in).
- Women 1.52m (5ft).
Minimum Weight:
- Men 54.55 kg (120 lb).
- Women 50.00 Kg (110 lb).
- Body Mass Index (BMI) MUST be below 30.
- Female candidates must NOT be pregnant at the time of Recruitment and during the entire duration of training.
- Candidates must be medically fit and their skin must be healthy devoid of large or deep scars and tattoos.
- Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women should have a minimum of two (2) years of practicing experience in their field of specialization from the date of registration with the relevant regulatory/statutory body in Kenya.
Minimum Academic Qualifications
Check out the minimum academic qualification required to join Kenya Defence Force (KDF).
General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets
Must hold a minimum mean grade of B (Plain) in KCSE with C+ (Plus) in English, Mathematics, and one (1) Science subject. The training period for this category will cover three (3) years leading to a BSc degree in Defence and Security Studies upon completion.
General Service Officer (GSO) Cadet
Graduate Degree Holders
Must hold the minimum requirement to qualify as GSO Cadet in the above and be a Bachelor’s degree holder from a recognized University/Institution. The training period for this category will be fifteen (15) months.
Specialist Officers
Must hold the minimum requirement to qualify as GSO Cadet above except for Chaplains/Imams who must hold a minimum mean grade of C+ (Plus) in KCSE.
Must be a degree holder from a recognized University/Institution and be registered with a regulatory/statutory body where applicable in any of the disciplines listed below. The training period for Specialist Officers will be six (6) months.
Service Members (General Duty) Recruits
Must hold a minimum mean grade of D (Plain) in KCSE.
Tradesmen/women
Prospective candidates willing to apply must satisfy the conditions and requirements given below:
Diploma. 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.
Certificate. 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.
National Youth Service (NYS) trained Technicians or Artisans who meet the above requirements are encouraged to apply. Additionally, the KDF will conduct recruitment of potential National Youth Service (NYS) personnel at Embakasi Garrison, Nairobi.
Candidates who have completed NYS training and meet the prescribed KDF recruitment criteria, requirements, and qualifications are to present themselves for consideration. Candidates with the following technical qualifications have added advantages: Plant Mechanics, Plant Technicians, Plant Electricians, Plant Operators General, Plumbers, Masonry, Electricals and Electronics, Welders, and Carpentry.
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 Service Members and between 35 and 45 years old for retired NYS Serviceman/women.
- Possess a Discharge Certificate with a minimum rating of “Very Good” in conduct.
- Must have served for nine (9) years of Color Service and retired honorably from KDF.
Check out the list of recruitment vacancies advertised at the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). Apply online via KDF Recruitment Portal.
