As a Kenyan citizen, our desire is to be part of those who keep our country secure and safe from both external and internal forces. This is one of the reasons many of us are eager to apply for the Kenya Defence Forces recruitment (KDF) whenever the form is available for the public.
We have lots of love and passion for our dear country, and we are waiting with anticipation for the KDF application form. The good news is that the Kenya recruitment website has all the information you need on the application form, dates, and many more.
So sit tight and read as we take you through the process of applying for the KDF from anywhere you are in Kenya.
About Kenya Defence Forces Recruitment
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are Kenya’s military forces. They consist of the Kenya Army, the Kenya Navy and the Kenya Air Force.
Each year, the KDF recruits more people to join the army. The recruitment exercise for 2023 has come and gone and the eligible candidate has been enrolled officially into the KDF. Now many people are waiting for the 2024 exercise to start which left us with another question.
Is KDF Recruitment Form 2024/2025 Out?
The answer is YES. The KDF recruitment exercise for 2024 is currently out and you can apply by following the application form on www.mod.go.ke. Just follow the proceeding and if you are lost, you can contact them by using the contact form on the website.
Kenya Defence Force Recruitment Date 2024
The Kenya Defence Force Recruitment started on 26th August 2024. So interested candidate can now begin to submit their applications. Remember, the earlier you apply the chances of you getting picked and also the application exercise and training will start on or before September 2024.
How Can I Apply for KDF Recruitment?
The Application is very simple and straightforward and you don’t have to pay anyone at all. Please do not give money to anyone for the application or the Job. The application form is free and the whole exercise comes at no cost.
Job Vacancies at KDF 2024
Below are some of the Job opportunities at the KDF that you can apply for. So if you have experience or skills in any of the these Job below, then you have just increased the chances of getting this Job offer. The more experience you have, the better and chances of serving your country.
- Automotive engineering
- Aeronautical, Computer science
- Electrical engineering
- Medical laboratory
- Welding control
- Architecture
- Welding instruments
- Marine engineering
- Journalism
- Meteorology
- Library
- Radiography
- Community social work
- Pharmacy
- Plaster technology
- Public health
- Survey
- Community oral health
- Dental technology
KDF Civilian Jobs 2024
For civilians who want to serve their country, here are list of Job offers you can get the the KDF for this year.
- Driver II
- Artisan (Panel Beater III)
- Artisan (Spray Painter III)
- Artisan (Welder III)
- Artisan III (Tailor)
- Artisan III (Motor Vehicle Electricians)
- Motor Vehicle Mechanic III
- Cook III
- Clerical Officer II
- Senior Support Staff
Kenya Defence Recruitment Process
There are some procedures that you have to undergo before you can be part of the KDF. Please make sure you follow the legal procedures and do not listen to anyone showing the easy ways. There is no easy way except when you follow the correct procedures.
1. Eligibility Check: First of all, make sure you are eligible or qualified to apply for the KDF. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements.
- Kenya citizen
- Age (between 18-26)
- Fitness (Been physical and medical fit)
- Have a valid National ID card or passport.
2. Application Submission: You must submit your application via the KDF official portal www.mod.go.ke before the application deadline.
3. Screening and Shortlisting: Next, after the application has ended and the screening exercise completed, the KDF will reach out to you if you are qualified and selected.
4. Interview and Medical Examination: There will be an interview and medical examination to confirm you are eligible and qualified. This is why you need to be honest when submitting your application.
Eligibility Criteria for KDF Jobs
You are qualified and eligible to apply as long as you come from the following counties below
| Nyandarua | Elgeyo-Marakwet |
| Nyeri | Nandi |
| Kirinyaga | Baringo |
| Murang’a | Laikipia |
| West Pokot | Kiambu |
| Samburu | Turkana |
| Trans-Nzoia | Migori |
| Uasin Gishu | Kisii |
| Nakuru | Nyamira |
| Makueni | Nairobi |
| Embu | Mombasa |
| Kitui | Kwale |
| Machakos | Kilifi |
| Kericho | Tana River |
| Bomet | Lamu |
| Kakamega | Taita Mak Taveta |
| Vihiga | Garissa |
| Bungoma | Wajir |
| Busia | Mandera |
| Siaya | Marsabit |
| Kisumu | Isiolo |
| Narok | Meru |
| Kajiado | Tharaka-Nithi |
| Homa Bay |
Kenya Defence Forces Recruitment Requirements
Well, the KDF is one of the most important positions in Kenya. This means you need to have some skills and qualifications to be able to protect your country. Education is also part of the requirement. To make it easy, these are some of the requirements you need to have before you can be qualified.
- You must be a Kenyan citizen with a National ID or Passport.
- You must have at least a D+ mean grade in the Kenya Certificate for Secondary Education (KCSE) and this also include English and Kiswahili languages.
- If you have a Diploma or Degree from a recognized institution, you can still apply.
- You have to be at least 18 years of age and a maximum of 29 years.
- Even with zero experience you still apply.
- Irrespective of your gender, you can still apply.
- You must be a computer literate.
Kenya Defence Force Recruitment Portal
The Kenya Defence recruitment portal is the same as the KDF website. This is the official website where you can get all the latest news and information regarding the KDF and the arts that govern the whole force. So if you want information or first-hand news about the KDF, you can visit the KDF official website which is https://mod.go.ke/. You will see the Ministry of Defense Kenya as the title.
Kenya Defence Force Training
If you want to be part of the KDF, then be ready to undergo some rigorous training. This is what brings us to the Kenya Defence Military Training College. This is a premier training institution for basic and foundational military officer training for Kenya and regional allied countries. The academy is charged with training cadets for commissioning as officers of the KDF and Allied Countries.
The main aim is to produce well-rounded young military leaders to prepare them for leadership, command and inspiration to train the professional military. below are list of Kenya Defence Force training and colleges you can attend.
Kenya Defence Force Salary
I know you must be wondering how much you get for defending your country. Well, the good news is that the Kenya government will take care of their own. They don’t joke with their KDF. So below are the salary structures of the KDF.
The salary of a Cadet in training is Sh7,172.
KDF cadet’s salary is Sh11,852 per month.
Officer cadets earn Sh24,520 per month after serving in the army for three years.
The salary of Privates is between Sh19,941 and Sh30,000.
The salary of Lance Corporals is from Sh26,509 to Sh50,000.
The salary of Corporal – Sh32,250 to Sh70,000.
The salary of Captains – Sh73,182 to Sh110,000.
The salary of Majors – Sh102,106- Sh150,000.
The salary of Lt. Colonels is Sh130,735 – Sh180,000.
The salary of Colonels is Sh153,317 – Sh300,000
The salary of Lt. General is Sh632,984 – Sh800,000
The salary of the Chief of Defence Forces is Sh894,897 – Sh1,200,000
Kenya Defence Force Cadet
A cadet is an officer trainee or a candidate. To qualify for the position of a cadet, you must be a Kenyan citizen, with no dual citizenship and be between 18 to 26 years of age. Also, you must hold a minimum mean grade of B+ in KCSE with a C+ in English, Mathematics and one Science subject.
Kenya Defence Force ranks
The KDF has a well-defined ranking system with clear hierarchies within the army, navy and air force. The article from The Standard provides details on the ranks from the most senior positions all the way down to the lowest ranks.
The highest rank in the entire KDF is the General. This is currently held by the Chief of Defence Forces who is the head of the armed forces. Other 4-star generals hold positions like the commanders of the army, navy and air force.
Brigadier is the next lower rank, worn by senior brigade commanders. Then comes the rank of Colonel held by heads of battalions and Regimental Commanders. Lieutenant Colonel, Major and Captain are company-level command ranks.
The ranks of Lieutenant, Sub-Lieutenant and Second Lieutenant hold platoon-level responsibilities. At the most junior officer level is the rank of Officer Cadet which is held by those undergoing initial training.
On the enlisted side, the highest non-commissioned rank is that of Warrant Officer Class 1. Below this are the ranks of Warrant Officer Class 2 and Chief Warrant Officer. The ranks of Sergeant Major and Staff Sergeant fall under the category of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers.
The mid-level enlisted ranks are Corporal and Lance Corporal. At the bottom of the ranks are Private (Recruit), Private and Private First Class, which are entry-level positions for new recruits joining the KDF.