The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced the shortlisting of over 3,000 candidates for various vacancies, including General Service Officer (GSO) cadets, specialist officers, and tradesmen and women. The candidates are set to report for interviews and selection processes on specified dates in November and December.
According to a notice released on Friday, October 24, the recruitment drive covers several key areas within the military. For the GSO cadet (regular) positions, 861 candidates have been shortlisted.
They are instructed to report to the Kenya Military Academy (KMA) in Lanet, Nakuru, on Monday, December 1. Regular GSO cadets are career military officers trained to provide leadership across the Army, Air Force, and Navy. They undergo a rigorous three-year program at KMA, culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Military and Security Studies from Kenyatta University.
An additional 700 candidates have been shortlisted for the 400 available GSO graduate cadet vacancies. These degree holders are scheduled for interviews at KMA on Monday, November 24. Unlike their regular counterparts, graduate cadets undergo a condensed, nine-month intensive military leadership training course, leveraging their existing academic qualifications to prepare for officer roles in operational, administrative, and technical capacities.
For specialist officer roles, 493 shortlisted candidates are directed to appear for interviews at KMA on Monday, December 8. This category includes professionals such as medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, engineers, lawyers, IT specialists, cybersecurity experts, pilots, and chaplains. Specialist officers are commissioned to provide critical technical and specialized services. They receive basic military orientation and officer training to assimilate into the military structure before deployment to their respective fields.
Furthermore, the KDF has shortlisted 1,310 candidates for tradesmen and women positions. These skilled service members, including electricians, mechanics, technicians, drivers, carpenters, and clerks, will report to the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Langata, Nairobi, on Monday, November 3. Tradesmen and women are responsible for providing essential technical and logistical support, maintaining and operating machinery, and ensuring the day-to-day functioning and operational readiness of the force. Their training begins with basic military instruction at the Kenya Defence Forces Training School in Eldoret, followed by trade-specific training.
All shortlisted candidates have been advised to bring original documents, including their national ID card, academic and professional certificates, a Curriculum Vitae, and other relevant testimonials, along with four copies of each. The KDF will provide food and accommodation during the interview period. Unsuccessful candidates will be reimbursed for their travel expenses in line with KDF regulations. An additional advisory recommends that candidates carry warm clothing.
This extensive recruitment initiative highlights the KDF’s ongoing efforts to bolster its ranks with skilled leaders, specialists, and support personnel essential for its diverse operational needs.
