Kenya Defence Forces Announces Nationwide Recruitment Drive for December 2026

The Kenya Defence Forces announced a nationwide recruitment exercise for December 2026, targeting officer cadets, specialist officers, tradespeople, and general duty recruits to serve in the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

The military will conduct in-person recruitment for general duty recruits from December 14 through December 28, while applicants for cadet, specialist, and trades positions must submit their applications online by December 12.

This recruitment drive is essential for maintaining the operational readiness of the military branches, which require a steady influx of personnel across technical, medical, and general service disciplines.

"The in-person recruitment exercise will run from December 14 to 28, with candidates expected to present themselves at centres listed in the recruitment itinerary," the military said.

Applicants for general duty roles must be Kenyan citizens aged 18 to 26 with a minimum KCSE mean grade of D plain and no criminal record, according to the official advertisement.

The military also requires that candidates meet specific physical standards, including a minimum height of 1.60 metres for men and 1.52 metres for women, alongside defined weight and body mass index requirements.

"Female applicants must not be pregnant at the time of recruitment or during the entire training period," the Kenya Defence Forces stated.

Regular officer cadets must hold a minimum mean grade of B plain in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, with at least a C+ in English, mathematics, and one science subject.

Graduate cadets and specialist officers must possess relevant university degrees and professional registrations, while tradesmen and women are expected to hold diploma or certificate-level qualifications in their respective technical fields.

The recruitment teams will operate at designated centres in various counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru, with specific venues identified for the capital, such as Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani.

"Shortlisted candidates will be notified through the Ministry’s website: mod.go.ke and print media between 21st and 25 th December 2026," the notice stated.

It remains to be seen how many applicants will successfully navigate the physical and academic screening processes to secure positions within the various branches of the national military.