KDF Recruitment 2026: Official December Dates and All 427 Centres by County
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has officially announced its 2026 recruitment drive, and it will take place in December 2026. The Ministry of Defence advert, published on 12 November 2026, says walk-in recruitment of General Duty Recruits will run from Monday 14 December to Monday 28 December 2026. Officer and tradesmen/women categories have to apply online by 12 December 2026. Below you will find the confirmed dates, the full list of 427 recruitment centres in all 47 counties, the age and academic requirements, and how the online application works. Everything here comes from the official Ministry of Defence advertisement.
KDF recruitment 2026 at a glance
- Who is being recruited: General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (Regular and Graduate), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits and Tradesmen/women.
- General Duty Recruits (walk-in): 14–19 December, 21–24 December and 28 December 2026, at designated centres across all 47 counties.
- Cadets, Specialist Officers, Tradesmen/women (online only): apply at
recruit.mod.go.ke. The deadline is 12 December 2026. - Shortlist: published on
www.mod.go.keand in the print media between 21 and 25 December 2026. - No calling letters: identification is by biometric verification only, both at recruitment and on reporting for training.
- Free of charge: anyone offering a “slot” for money is committing a crime. KDF’s anti-corruption hotline is 0183749488.
When is KDF recruitment 2026? The official dates
For months, the question “when is the next KDF recruitment in Kenya?” had no confirmed answer. Our KDF recruitment 2026 guide tracked the status since September. The answer is now official: the advert says recruitment is “scheduled to take place in the month of December 2026”.
The exercise runs on two tracks:
- Online applications for GSO Cadets (Regular and Graduate), Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women. Applications go through the Ministry of Defence recruitment portal and close on 12 December 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be named between 21 and 25 December 2026.
- Physical (walk-in) recruitment for General Duty Recruits. Recruiting teams from the Kenya Army, the Kenya Air Force and the Kenya Navy will visit the listed centres according to a fixed itinerary.
The walk-in itinerary covers 11 recruitment days. Sunday 20 December and the Christmas period (25–27 December) are not on the schedule. The number of centres open on each day, counted from the official itinerary, is:
| Date | Day | Number of centres |
|---|---|---|
| 14 December 2026 | Monday | 48 |
| 15 December 2026 | Tuesday | 48 |
| 16 December 2026 | Wednesday | 48 |
| 17 December 2026 | Thursday | 47 |
| 18 December 2026 | Friday | 47 |
| 19 December 2026 | Saturday | 44 |
| 21 December 2026 | Monday | 38 |
| 22 December 2026 | Tuesday | 34 |
| 23 December 2026 | Wednesday | 33 |
| 24 December 2026 | Thursday | 30 |
| 28 December 2026 | Monday | 10 |
In total, the itinerary lists 427 recruitment centres across all 47 counties. Each centre is tied to a sub-county. Go to the centre listed for your sub-county on its listed date. The itinerary does not say whether candidates may attend a centre outside their home sub-county, so the safe assumption is that you should not.
KDF recruitment centres 2026 in Nairobi
Nairobi City County has 18 centres. Two of them are the same venue on different days: Kasarani MISC (Lauret Garden) serves Kasarani sub-county on 15 December and Roysambu on 16 December.
- Mon 14 December: Nyayo Stadium (Lang’Ata sub-county)
- Mon 14 December: Dandora Stadium (Embakasi North sub-county)
- Mon 14 December: Visions Ground/Makao Bora (Embakasi South sub-county)
- Tue 15 December: Kawangware Primary School (Dagoretti North sub-county)
- Tue 15 December: Huruma/Huruma Grounds (Embakasi Central sub-county)
- Tue 15 December: Kasarani MISC (Lauret Garden) (Kasarani sub-county)
- Wed 16 December: Riruta/Ndararua Stadium (BP Grounds) (Dagoretti South sub-county)
- Wed 16 December: Tena Grounds (Embakasi West sub-county)
- Wed 16 December: Kasarani MISC (Lauret Garden) (Roysambu sub-county)
- Thu 17 December: Jamhuri Grounds (Kibra sub-county)
- Thu 17 December: Jacaranda Grounds (Embakasi East sub-county)
- Thu 17 December: Mathare Depot Play Ground (Mathare sub-county)
- Fri 18 December: KTTC Gigiri (Westlands sub-county)
- Fri 18 December: Pumwani Play Ground (Starehe sub-county)
- Fri 18 December: Ruai Primary School (Njiru sub-county)
- Sat 19 December: Our Lady Of Mercy Girls Primary School (Kamukunji sub-county)
- Sat 19 December: Utalii College Sports Grounds (Ruaraka sub-county)
- Mon 21 December: Camp Toyoyo (Jericho) (Makadara sub-county)
Full list: KDF recruitment 2026 dates and centres by county
The table below rearranges the official itinerary by county, in alphabetical order, so you can find your county quickly. The sub-county the centre serves is shown in brackets. Spellings follow the Ministry of Defence advert (for example “Loyangalani” for Loiyangalani sub-county). Before you travel, check your entry against the official PDF.
| County | Centres | Date: recruitment centre (sub-county) |
|---|---|---|
| Baringo | 10 | Mon 14 Dec: Kolowa (Kolowa) Tue 15 Dec: Chemolingot (Tiaty West) Thu 17 Dec: Mukutani (Mukutani) Fri 18 Dec: Tangulbei (Tiaty East) Sat 19 Dec: Eldama Ravine (Koibatek) Sat 19 Dec: Kabartonjo (Baringo North) Mon 21 Dec: Kabarnet (Baringo Central) Tue 22 Dec: Marigat (Marigat) Wed 23 Dec: Barwessa (Baringo West) Thu 24 Dec: Mogotio (Mogotio) |
| Bomet | 5 | Wed 16 Dec: Sigor (Chepalungu) Mon 21 Dec: Mogogosiek (Konoin) Tue 22 Dec: Sotik (Sotik) Wed 23 Dec: Bomet (Bomet Central) Thu 24 Dec: Longisa (Bomet East) |
| Bungoma | 13 | Mon 14 Dec: Matisi (Webuye West) Tue 15 Dec: Bungoma (Bungoma South) Tue 15 Dec: Bumula (Bumula) Tue 15 Dec: Webuye (Webuye East) Wed 16 Dec: Kimaeti (Kimaeti) Wed 16 Dec: Tongaren (Tongaren) Thu 17 Dec: Kopsiro (Kopsiro) Fri 18 Dec: Cheptais (Cheptais) Sat 19 Dec: Sirisia (Bungoma West) Mon 21 Dec: Chwele (Bungoma Central) Tue 22 Dec: Kapsokwony (Mt Elgon) Wed 23 Dec: Kimilili (Kimilili) Thu 24 Dec: Mukuyuni (Bungoma North) |
| Busia | 8 | Mon 14 Dec: Butula (Butula) Mon 14 Dec: Amagoro (Teso North) Mon 14 Dec: Busia (Teso South) Tue 15 Dec: Amukura (Teso Central) Wed 16 Dec: Nambale (Nambale) Thu 17 Dec: Budalangi (Bunyala) Fri 18 Dec: Funyula (Samia) Mon 28 Dec: Matayos (Busia) |
| Elgeyo/Marakwet | 5 | Mon 14 Dec: Chesoi (Marakwet East) Tue 15 Dec: Kapsowar (Marakwet West) Mon 21 Dec: Chesongoch (Kerio Valley) Tue 22 Dec: Iten (Keiyo North) Thu 24 Dec: Chepkorio (Keiyo South) |
| Embu | 6 | Fri 18 Dec: Runyenjes (Embu East) Sat 19 Dec: Embu (Embu West) Mon 21 Dec: Manyatta (Embu North) Wed 23 Dec: Siakago (Mbeere North) Thu 24 Dec: Kiritiri (Mbeere South) Mon 28 Dec: Karaba (Mwea) |
| Garissa | 12 | Mon 14 Dec: Garissa (Garissa) Mon 14 Dec: Masalani (Ijara) Mon 14 Dec: Liboi (Liboi) Tue 15 Dec: Sankuri (Sankuri) Tue 15 Dec: Bura (Bura East) Wed 16 Dec: Balambala (Balambala) Thu 17 Dec: Modogashe (Lagdera) Thu 17 Dec: Bothai (Bothai) Fri 18 Dec: Hulugho (Hulugho) Mon 21 Dec: Shant Abaq (Shantabaq) Wed 23 Dec: Dadaab (Dadaab) Thu 24 Dec: Alinjugur (Fafi) |
| Homa Bay | 11 | Mon 14 Dec: Homabay (Homa Bay) Mon 14 Dec: Kadongo (Rachuonyo East) Tue 15 Dec: Sindo (Suba Central) Wed 16 Dec: Magunga (Suba South) Thu 17 Dec: Mbita (Mbita) Fri 18 Dec: Sena (Suba West) Sat 19 Dec: Ndhiwa (Ndhiwa) Mon 21 Dec: Rangwe (Rangwe) Mon 21 Dec: Got Oyaro (Rachuonyo West) Tue 22 Dec: Kendu Bay (Rachuonyo North) Tue 22 Dec: Kosele (Rachuonyo South) |
| Isiolo | 6 | Wed 16 Dec: Merti (Merti) Thu 17 Dec: Oldonyiro (Oldonyiro) Thu 17 Dec: Malkagalla (Cherab) Fri 18 Dec: Isiolo (Isiolo) Sat 19 Dec: Garbatulla (Garbatulla) Mon 21 Dec: Sericho (Sericho) |
| Kajiado | 8 | Mon 14 Dec: Ngong (Kajiado North) Mon 14 Dec: Kisamis (Kajiado West) Mon 14 Dec: Loitoktok (Loitoktok) Tue 15 Dec: Mashuru (Mashuru) Tue 15 Dec: Maili 46 (Elangata Wuas) Wed 16 Dec: Kajiado (Kajiado Central) Thu 17 Dec: Ngatatoek (Oloililai) Fri 18 Dec: Isinya (Isinya) |
| Kakamega | 14 | Mon 14 Dec: Matete (Matete) Wed 16 Dec: Kakamega (Kakamega Central) Thu 17 Dec: Khwisero (Khwisero) Thu 17 Dec: Lumakanda (Lugari) Fri 18 Dec: Navakholo (Navakholo) Fri 18 Dec: Shikutse (Kabras West) Sat 19 Dec: Shinyalu (Kakamega East) Sat 19 Dec: Malava (Kabras East) Sat 19 Dec: Mumias (Mumias West) Mon 21 Dec: Malinya (Kakamega South) Mon 21 Dec: Matungu (Matungu) Tue 22 Dec: Butere (Butere) Wed 23 Dec: Shianda (Mumias East) Thu 24 Dec: Kongoni (Likuyani) |
| Kericho | 7 | Tue 15 Dec: Chepkemel (Sigowet) Wed 16 Dec: Sosiot (Belgut) Thu 17 Dec: Kericho (Kericho East) Sat 19 Dec: Litein (Bureti) Mon 21 Dec: Londiani (Londiani) Tue 22 Dec: Kipkelion (Kipkelion) Thu 24 Dec: Kipsitet (Soin) |
| Kiambu | 16 | Mon 14 Dec: Karuri (Kiambaa) Tue 15 Dec: Nderu (Ndeiya) Wed 16 Dec: Githunguri (Githunguri) Thu 17 Dec: Limuru (Limuru) Thu 17 Dec: Lari (Lari) Fri 18 Dec: Githurai (Githurai) Fri 18 Dec: Gatundu (Gatundu South) Sat 19 Dec: Thika (Thika West) Sat 19 Dec: Ruiru (Ruiru) Mon 21 Dec: Kilimambogo (Thika East) Mon 21 Dec: Kamwangi (Gatundu North) Tue 22 Dec: Juja (Juja) Wed 23 Dec: Toll (Murera) Thu 24 Dec: Kiambu (Kiambu East) Thu 24 Dec: Wangige (Kabete) Mon 28 Dec: Kikuyu (Kikuyu) |
| Kilifi | 9 | Mon 14 Dec: Kikambala (Kilifi South) Tue 15 Dec: Marafa (Magarini) Wed 16 Dec: Kaloleni (Kaloleni) Wed 16 Dec: Malindi (Malindi) Thu 17 Dec: Mwembekati (Chonyi) Thu 17 Dec: Rabai (Rabai) Fri 18 Dec: Ganze (Ganze) Sat 19 Dec: Jaribuni (Kauma) Mon 21 Dec: Kilifi (Kilifi North) |
| Kirinyaga | 5 | Mon 21 Dec: Wanguru (Mwea East) Tue 22 Dec: Kandongu (Mwea West) Tue 22 Dec: Kianyago (Kirinyaga East) Wed 23 Dec: Baricho (Kirinyaga West) Thu 24 Dec: Kerugoya (Kirinyaga Central) |
| Kisii | 11 | Mon 14 Dec: Kerina (Kisii South) Tue 15 Dec: Marani (Marani) Wed 16 Dec: Nyamache (Nyamache) Thu 17 Dec: Etago (Etago) Fri 18 Dec: Nyamarambe (Gucha South) Sat 19 Dec: Kenyenya (Kenyenya) Mon 21 Dec: Masaba (Masaba South) Tue 22 Dec: Ogembo (Gucha) Wed 23 Dec: Itube (Sameta) Thu 24 Dec: Kisii (Kisii Central) Thu 24 Dec: Nyanychwa (Kitutu Central) |
| Kisumu | 9 | Mon 14 Dec: Ojolla (Kisumu West) Tue 15 Dec: Kombewa (Seme) Fri 18 Dec: Kisumu (Kisumu Central) Fri 18 Dec: Chemelil (Muhoroni) Sat 19 Dec: Kibos (Kisumu East) Sat 19 Dec: North East Kano (North East Kano) Tue 22 Dec: Rabuor (Kadibo) Wed 23 Dec: Awasi (Nyando) Wed 23 Dec: Pap Onditi (Nyakach) |
| Kitui | 19 | Mon 14 Dec: Katulani (Katulani) Mon 14 Dec: Tseikuru (Tseikuru) Tue 15 Dec: Kitui (Kitui Central) Tue 15 Dec: Mathuki (Mwingi East) Tue 15 Dec: Kyuso (Kyuso) Wed 16 Dec: Kyusyani (Lower Yatta) Wed 16 Dec: Nuu (Nuu) Wed 16 Dec: Nthangani (Thagichu) Thu 17 Dec: Migwani (Migwani/Mwingi West) Thu 17 Dec: Katse (Mumoni) Fri 18 Dec: Mwingi (Mwingi Central) Sat 19 Dec: Zombe (Mutitu/Zombe) Mon 21 Dec: Mutitu Ndooa (Mutitu North) Tue 22 Dec: Kabati (Kitui West) Tue 22 Dec: Ikutha (Ikutha) Wed 23 Dec: Matinyani (Matinyani) Wed 23 Dec: Mutomo (Mutomo) Thu 24 Dec: Chuluni (Nzambani) Thu 24 Dec: Kisasi (Kisasi) |
| Kwale | 6 | Mon 14 Dec: Shimba Hills (Shimba Hills) Tue 15 Dec: Kwale (Matuga) Wed 16 Dec: Kinango (Kinango) Thu 17 Dec: Msambweni (Msambweni) Fri 18 Dec: Samburu (Samburu) Fri 18 Dec: Lungalunga (Lungalunga) |
| Laikipia | 6 | Mon 14 Dec: Ol-Moran (Kirima) Tue 15 Dec: Rumuruti (Laikipia West) Wed 16 Dec: Nyahururu (Nyahururu) Fri 18 Dec: Doldol (Laikipia North) Mon 21 Dec: Lamuria (Laikipia Central) Tue 22 Dec: Nanyuki (Laikipia East) |
| Lamu | 3 | Mon 14 Dec: Amu (Lamu Central) Tue 15 Dec: Mpeketoni (Lamu West) Wed 16 Dec: Faza (Lamu East) |
| Machakos | 10 | Wed 16 Dec: Machakos (Machakos) Thu 17 Dec: Kyangala (Kalama) Sat 19 Dec: Athi River (Athi River) Mon 21 Dec: Kathiani (Kathiani) Tue 22 Dec: Kangundo (Kangundo) Wed 23 Dec: Makutano (Mwala) Wed 23 Dec: Masinga (Masinga) Wed 23 Dec: Matungulu (Matungulu) Thu 24 Dec: Kithimani (Yatta) Thu 24 Dec: Ndithini (Ndithini) |
| Makueni | 10 | Thu 17 Dec: Mbumbuni (Mbooni East) Fri 18 Dec: Wote (Makueni) Fri 18 Dec: Nunguni (Kilungu) Sat 19 Dec: Matiliku (Nzaui) Sat 19 Dec: Yoani (Mukaa) Mon 21 Dec: Kikima (Mbooni West) Mon 21 Dec: Makindu (Makindu) Tue 22 Dec: Kathonzweni (Kathonzweni) Thu 24 Dec: Kibwezi (Kibwezi) Mon 28 Dec: Kambu (Kambu) |
| Mandera | 12 | Mon 14 Dec: Mandera (Mandera East) Mon 14 Dec: Arabia (Arabia) Tue 15 Dec: Khalalio (Khalalio) Tue 15 Dec: Lafey (Lafey) Wed 16 Dec: Rhamu (Mandera North) Wed 16 Dec: Kotulo (Kotulo) Thu 17 Dec: Ashabito (Ashabito) Fri 18 Dec: Banisa (Banisa) Sat 19 Dec: Elwak (Mandera Central) Sat 19 Dec: Dandu (Dandu) Sat 19 Dec: Kiliwehiri (Kiliwehiri) Mon 21 Dec: Takaba (Mandera West) |
| Marsabit | 12 | Mon 14 Dec: Marsabit (Marsabit Central) Mon 14 Dec: Turbi (Turbi Bubisa) Mon 14 Dec: Korr (Korr) Tue 15 Dec: Sagante (Sagante/Jaldesa) Tue 15 Dec: Laisamis (Marsabit South/ Laisamis) Tue 15 Dec: Sololo (Sololo) Wed 16 Dec: Maikona (Marsabit North/ Chalbi) Wed 16 Dec: Sololo (Uran) Thu 17 Dec: North Horr (North Horr) Thu 17 Dec: Moyale (Moyale) Fri 18 Dec: Dukana (Dukana) Sat 19 Dec: Loyangalani (Loiyangalani) |
| Meru | 17 | Mon 14 Dec: Gatimbi (Meru Central) Mon 14 Dec: Maua (Akachiu) Tue 15 Dec: Igoji (Igoji) Tue 15 Dec: Maua (Maua) Wed 16 Dec: Nkubu (Imenti South/Nkuene-Mitunguu) Wed 16 Dec: Kangeta (Igembe Central) Thu 17 Dec: Kanyakine (Abogeta) Thu 17 Dec: Mutuati (Mutuati) Fri 18 Dec: Meru Town (Imenti East) Sat 19 Dec: Meru Town (Imenti North) Mon 21 Dec: Mikinduri (Tigania Central) Tue 22 Dec: Muriri (Tigania East) Wed 23 Dec: Timau (Buuri West) Wed 23 Dec: Urru (Tigania West) Thu 24 Dec: Kiirua (Buuri East) Thu 24 Dec: Laare (Igembe North) Mon 28 Dec: Kiengu (Kiengu) |
| Migori | 12 | Mon 14 Dec: Sori (Nyatike West) Tue 15 Dec: Muhuru Bay (Nyatike South) Wed 16 Dec: Macalder (Nyatike North) Thu 17 Dec: Mabera (Mabera) Fri 18 Dec: Uriri (Uriri) Sat 19 Dec: Pinyoiye (Suna West) Mon 21 Dec: Kehancha (Kuria West) Tue 22 Dec: Ntimaru (Ntimaru) Wed 23 Dec: Awendo (Awendo) Wed 23 Dec: Kegonga (Kuria East) Thu 24 Dec: Migori (Suna East) Thu 24 Dec: Rongo (Rongo) |
| Mombasa | 6 | Tue 15 Dec: Changamwe (Changamwe) Sat 19 Dec: Mombasa (Mombasa) Mon 21 Dec: Kongowea (Nyali) Tue 22 Dec: Mikindani (Jomvu) Wed 23 Dec: Likoni (Likoni) Thu 24 Dec: Kisauni (Kisauni) |
| Murang’A | 9 | Mon 14 Dec: Kiria-Ini (Mathioya) Mon 14 Dec: Gatanga (Gatanga) Tue 15 Dec: Kenol (Murang’A South) Wed 16 Dec: Kandara (Kandara) Thu 17 Dec: Kigumo (Kigumo) Fri 18 Dec: Kangema (Kangema) Sat 19 Dec: Murang’A (Murang’A East) Mon 21 Dec: Kahuro (Kahuro) Tue 22 Dec: Kaguku (Ithanga/Kakuzi) |
| Nairobi City | 18 | Mon 14 Dec: Nyayo Stadium (Lang’Ata) Mon 14 Dec: Dandora Stadium (Embakasi North) Mon 14 Dec: Visions Ground/Makao Bora (Embakasi South) Tue 15 Dec: Kawangware Primary School (Dagoretti North) Tue 15 Dec: Huruma/Huruma Grounds (Embakasi Central) Tue 15 Dec: Kasarani MISC (Lauret Garden) (Kasarani) Wed 16 Dec: Riruta/Ndararua Stadium (BP Grounds) (Dagoretti South) Wed 16 Dec: Tena Grounds (Embakasi West) Wed 16 Dec: Kasarani MISC (Lauret Garden) (Roysambu) Thu 17 Dec: Jamhuri Grounds (Kibra) Thu 17 Dec: Jacaranda Grounds (Embakasi East) Thu 17 Dec: Mathare Depot Play Ground (Mathare) Fri 18 Dec: KTTC Gigiri (Westlands) Fri 18 Dec: Pumwani Play Ground (Starehe) Fri 18 Dec: Ruai Primary School (Njiru) Sat 19 Dec: Our Lady Of Mercy Girls Primary School (Kamukunji) Sat 19 Dec: Utalii College Sports Grounds (Ruaraka) Mon 21 Dec: Camp Toyoyo (Jericho) (Makadara) |
| Nakuru | 11 | Mon 14 Dec: Nakuru (Nakuru East) Mon 14 Dec: Kapkures (Nakuru West) Tue 15 Dec: Bahati (Nakuru North) Tue 15 Dec: Njoro (Njoro) Wed 16 Dec: Subukia (Subukia) Wed 16 Dec: Keringet (Kuresoi South) Thu 17 Dec: Sirikwa (Kuresoi North) Fri 18 Dec: Molo (Molo) Tue 22 Dec: Gilgil (Gilgil) Wed 23 Dec: Naivasha (Naivasha) Mon 28 Dec: Kampi Ya Moto (Rongai) |
| Nandi | 6 | Mon 21 Dec: Kabiyet (Nandi North) Tue 22 Dec: Maraba (Tinderet) Wed 23 Dec: Nandi Hills (Nandi East) Wed 23 Dec: Kabujoi (Nandi South (Aldai)) Thu 24 Dec: Chemundu (Chesumei) Mon 28 Dec: Kapsabet (Nandi Central) |
| Narok | 9 | Tue 15 Dec: Nairegea Enkare (Narok East) Wed 16 Dec: Narok (Narok Central) Thu 17 Dec: Ololulung’A (Narok South) Fri 18 Dec: Sogoo (Narok Amalo) Sat 19 Dec: Ng’Osuani (Narok West) Tue 22 Dec: Emurua Dikirr (Transmara East) Wed 23 Dec: Olokurto (Narok North) Wed 23 Dec: Kilgoris (Transmara West) Thu 24 Dec: Lolgorian (Transmara South) |
| Nyamira | 5 | Mon 14 Dec: Keroka (Masaba North) Tue 15 Dec: Manga (Manga) Wed 16 Dec: Borabu (Borabu) Thu 17 Dec: Nyamira (Nyamira South) Fri 18 Dec: Ekerenyo (Nyamira North) |
| Nyandarua | 10 | Mon 14 Dec: Njabini (South Kinangop) Tue 15 Dec: Engineer (North Kinangop) Wed 16 Dec: Miharati (Kipipiri) Thu 17 Dec: Wanjohi (Wanjohi) Thu 17 Dec: Ol Joro Orok (Nyandarua West) Fri 18 Dec: Ngano (Gathanji) Fri 18 Dec: Shamata (Aberdare) Sat 19 Dec: Ndaragua (Nyandarua North) Sat 19 Dec: Mirangine (Mirangine) Mon 21 Dec: Ol Kalou (Nyandarua Central) |
| Nyeri | 8 | Tue 15 Dec: Wamagana (Tetu) Wed 16 Dec: Othaya (Nyeri South) Thu 17 Dec: Mukurwe-Ini (Mukurwe-Ini) Fri 18 Dec: Karatina (Mathira East) Sat 19 Dec: Kaiyaba (Mathira West) Tue 22 Dec: Chaka (Kieni East) Wed 23 Dec: Mweiga (Kieni West) Thu 24 Dec: Nyeri (Nyeri Central) |
| Samburu | 3 | Mon 14 Dec: Maralal (Samburu Central) Tue 15 Dec: Baragoi (Samburu North) Wed 16 Dec: Wamba (Samburu East) |
| Siaya | 9 | Wed 16 Dec: Bondo (Bondo) Thu 17 Dec: Madiany (Rarieda) Fri 18 Dec: Wagai (Gem Wagai) Sat 19 Dec: Yala (Gem Yala) Mon 21 Dec: Siaya (Siaya) Tue 22 Dec: Uranga (Siaya West) Wed 23 Dec: Usigu (Usigu) Thu 24 Dec: Ugunja (Ugunja) Mon 28 Dec: Ukwala (Ugenya) |
| Taita Taveta | 4 | Sat 19 Dec: Voi (Voi) Mon 21 Dec: Taveta (Taveta) Tue 22 Dec: Mwatate (Mwatate) Wed 23 Dec: Wundanyi (Taita) |
| Tana River | 7 | Mon 14 Dec: Madogo (Bangale) Mon 14 Dec: Tarasaa (Tarasaa) Wed 16 Dec: Bura Tana (Tana North) Thu 17 Dec: Hola (Tana River) Fri 18 Dec: Wayu (Galledyertu) Sat 19 Dec: Garsen (Tana Delta) Mon 21 Dec: Kokane (Kokane) |
| Tharaka-Nithi | 10 | Fri 18 Dec: Chogoria (Maara) Sat 19 Dec: Kathwana (Igambang’Ombe) Mon 21 Dec: Mukothima (Mukothima) Tue 22 Dec: Gatunga (Tharaka North) Tue 22 Dec: Chuka (Chuka North) Wed 23 Dec: Chiakariga (Chiakariga) Wed 23 Dec: Kibugua (Chuka South) Thu 24 Dec: Marimanti (Tharaka South) Thu 24 Dec: Marima (Muthambi) Mon 28 Dec: Tharaka West (Tharaka West) |
| Trans Nzoia | 6 | Thu 17 Dec: Kwanza (Kwanza) Fri 18 Dec: Kitale (Trans-Nzoia West) Sat 19 Dec: Saboti Assistant Sub-County Commissioner’s Compound (Saboti) Mon 21 Dec: Endebess (Endebess) Tue 22 Dec: Kachibora (Trans-Nzoia East) Wed 23 Dec: Kiminini (Kiminini) |
| Turkana | 11 | Mon 14 Dec: Kibish (Kibish) Tue 15 Dec: Lokitaung (Turkana North) Wed 16 Dec: Lokichoggio (Lokichoggio) Wed 16 Dec: Kapedo (Suguta) Thu 17 Dec: Kakuma (Turkana West) Thu 17 Dec: Kainuk (Aroo) Fri 18 Dec: Lodwar (Turkana Central) Fri 18 Dec: Lokichar (Turkana South) Sat 19 Dec: Lorogum (Loima) Sat 19 Dec: Lokori (Turkana East) Mon 21 Dec: Lokiriama (Lokiriama) |
| Uasin Gishu | 6 | Wed 16 Dec: Moiben (Moiben) Thu 17 Dec: Ziwa (Soy) Fri 18 Dec: Eldoret (Eldoret West/ Turbo) Sat 19 Dec: Kapsoya (Ainabkoi/ Eldoret East) Wed 23 Dec: Outspan (Eldoret South/ Wareng/ Kapseret) Mon 28 Dec: Kesses (Kesses) |
| Vihiga | 6 | Tue 15 Dec: Luanda (Luanda) Wed 16 Dec: Shaviringa (Tiriki East) Thu 17 Dec: Mbale (Vihiga) Mon 21 Dec: Emuhaya (Emuhaya) Tue 22 Dec: Hamisi (Hamisi) Thu 24 Dec: Sabatia (Sabatia) |
| Wajir | 15 | Mon 14 Dec: Wajir (Wajir East) Tue 15 Dec: Diff (Diff) Tue 15 Dec: Leheley (Wajir South) Wed 16 Dec: Tarbaj (Tarbaj) Thu 17 Dec: Elnur (Eldas South) Thu 17 Dec: Kotulo (Kotulo Wajir) Fri 18 Dec: Habaswein (Habaswein) Fri 18 Dec: Bute (Wajir North) Fri 18 Dec: Khorof Harar (Khorof Harar) Fri 18 Dec: Griftu (Wajir West) Sat 19 Dec: Buna (Buna) Sat 19 Dec: Hadado (Hadado) Mon 21 Dec: Eldas (Eldas) Tue 22 Dec: Sabuli (Sabuli) Tue 22 Dec: Korondille (Korondille) |
| West Pokot | 6 | Mon 14 Dec: Kapenguria (West Pokot) Mon 14 Dec: Alale (Pokot North) Tue 15 Dec: Chepareria (Kipkomo) Tue 15 Dec: Kacheliba (Kacheliba) Wed 16 Dec: Sigor (Pokot Central) Wed 16 Dec: Kabichbich (Pokot South) |
Who can apply: KDF recruitment 2026 requirements
General conditions (all categories)
- Be a Kenyan citizen with a valid Kenyan National ID card.
- Bring original documents plus four copies each of your National ID, KRA PIN certificate and academic certificates.
- Have no criminal record and be medically fit to KDF standards.
- Female candidates must not be pregnant at recruitment or at any point during training.
Age limits
| Category | Age limit |
|---|---|
| GSO Cadets – Regular | 18–23 years |
| GSO Cadets – Graduate, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen/women | 18–26 years |
| Specialist Officers | Not above 30 years |
| Medical Consultants | Not above 35 years |
| Chaplains/Imams | Not above 39 years |
| Catechists/Maalims | Not above 35 years |
Physical requirements
- Minimum height: men 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in), women 1.52 m (5 ft).
- Minimum weight: men 54.55 kg, women 50.00 kg.
- BMI: must be between 18.5 and 30.0 kg/m².
Minimum academic qualifications
- GSO Cadet – Regular: KCSE mean grade B (plain), with C+ in English, Mathematics and one science subject. Training lasts three years and ends with a BSc in Defence and Security Studies.
- GSO Cadet – Graduate: the Regular Cadet KCSE minimum plus a bachelor’s degree in one of the listed disciplines. Training lasts 15 months.
- Specialist Officers: the Regular Cadet KCSE minimum, a bachelor’s degree and registration with the relevant regulatory body. Chaplains/Imams are an exception and need KCSE C+. You also need at least two years of practice since registration. Training lasts seven months.
- General Duty Recruits: KCSE mean grade D (plain). Candidates who have completed NYS training have an added advantage.
- Tradesmen/women: for diploma posts, KCSE C- (minus) and a relevant diploma. For certificate posts, KCSE D+ and a relevant certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II. Both need two years of practising experience.
We explain each category in more detail, including how to check whether your grades qualify, in our KDF recruitment requirements guide.
Which jobs are open? Vacancies in the 2026 advert
GSO Cadets – Graduate disciplines
The advert lists 14 graduate fields:
- Disaster Management/Security Studies
- Engineering, which covers a wide range including aeronautical/aerospace, civil, electrical and electronics, telecommunications, marine, mechatronics and nuclear science
- Education (B.Ed.)
- Finance/Business and HR
- Geology
- GIS
- Hospitality/Catering
- ICT, which covers software, hardware, cyber security, AI and robotics, and applied statistics, with relevant certifications required
- Strategic Communication
- Library
- Sports Management
- Strategic Management and Leadership
- Public Administration
- Agroforestry
Specialist Officers
- Chaplaincy: ordained ministers recommended by their church, or Imams recommended by the Chief Kadhi.
- Legal: LL.B, Advocate of the High Court with a current practising certificate.
- Medical: MBChB, BDS, BScN, B.Pharm.
- Medical Consultants: MMed in Internal Medicine or Radiology.
Tradesmen/women
Diploma posts include:
- Band/Music
- Catechists/Maalims
- Education (including French, Mandarin or Arabic linguistics)
- Engineering trades
- ICT (including cyber security and AI)
- Strategic Communication
- Health Technologist
- Para Legal
- Vehicle Mechanic
- Cartographer
- Laundry Technician
Certificate (artisan) posts include:
- Automotive electrician
- Carpentry
- Masonry
- Electrical
- Plant/crane operator
- Tailors
- Vehicle mechanics
- Welders/fabricators
- Painting and signwriting
- Catering
- Plumbing
- Truck drivers (NTSA licence class BCE)
How to apply online: recruit.mod.go.ke
All GSO Cadet, Specialist Officer and Tradesmen/women applications must be submitted online at https://recruit.mod.go.ke. The advert says no other method is accepted. For help, KDF lists the help desk email [email protected]. If you have not used the portal before, our KDF recruitment portal guide and step-by-step application guide walk through account creation and document uploads.
General Duty Recruits do not apply online. You simply attend the centre for your sub-county on its date, with your original documents and the required copies.
Avoid scams: no calling letters, no fees
The 2026 advert is unusually explicit on two points:
- Biometric verification is the only form of identification, both during recruitment and when you report for training. KDF will issue no calling letters. Anyone selling you a “calling letter” is defrauding you.
- Recruitment is free. Bribery or any attempt to influence the process is a criminal offence. Report malpractice to the nearest police station or military camp, or to the hotline 0183749488.
KDF also asks the public to rely only on its verified channels: the website www.mod.go.ke, X @kdfinfo, Facebook @officialkdf, Instagram @kdf.info and TikTok @kdf_officialpage.
What happens after selection?
According to the advert, candidates selected in every category go through a final verification at designated KDF training institutions. Training lengths differ by category: three years for Regular Cadets, 15 months for Graduate Cadets and seven months for Specialist Officers. You can read what basic training involves in our KDF training guide, and what recruits and officers earn in our KDF salary guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is there KDF recruitment in 2026?
Yes. The Ministry of Defence announced on 12 November 2026 that KDF recruitment will take place in December 2026.
When does KDF recruitment 2026 start?
Walk-in recruitment of General Duty Recruits starts on Monday 14 December 2026 and ends on Monday 28 December 2026. Online applications for officer and tradesmen/women categories are open now and close on 12 December 2026.
Where can I download the KDF recruitment 2026 dates and centres PDF?
The official advert with the full itinerary is published by the Ministry of Defence at mod.go.ke. We link it in the table section above. The table in this article reproduces all 427 centres from that document.
What is the age limit for KDF recruitment 2026?
The limit is 18–26 years for General Duty Recruits, Graduate Cadets and Tradesmen/women, and 18–23 years for Regular Cadets. Specialist Officers can be up to 30, Medical Consultants up to 35 and Chaplains/Imams up to 39.
What KCSE grade do I need to join KDF as a recruit?
The minimum is mean grade D (plain) in KCSE for General Duty Recruits.
Will KDF send calling letters?
No. The 2026 advert says no calling letters will be issued. Identification is by biometric verification only.
When will KDF shortlisted candidates be released?
Between 21 and 25 December 2026, on www.mod.go.ke and in the print media. This applies to the online categories.
Sources
- Ministry of Defence, Kenya: “Advertisement for recruitment of General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits and Tradesmen/women into the Kenya Defence Forces” (PDF, dated 12 November 2026).
- The Star (Kenya): “KDF announces December recruitment drive”, 12 November 2026.
This article reproduces the official itinerary as published on 12 November 2026. If KDF amends any date or centre, the Ministry of Defence notice takes precedence.
