Requirements to join the military (KDF) in Kenya

If you want to join the military (KDF) in Kenya there are specific qualifications one has to obtain.

Below are the qualifications required for various positions in KDF:

Qualifying to Be Serviceman or Woman

Take the Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination. This test is required for entry into the police or armed services, and your score determines placement in the Army. Servicemen and women should have a mean score of a D on the KCSE in order to qualify for the army.

Higher scores than a D may make it difficult to become a service person, but those with a B or higher will likely qualify for officer training or specialty posts.
This score is the mean, or average, of all the parts of the test.:

Be a Kenyan citizen.
Be at least 18 years of age, but not exceeding 26 years of age.
Have no criminal record whatsoever.
Be above 5 foot, 3 inches (Defense Forces) or 5 foot 8 inches (Police Force).
Weigh more than 54.55kg (males) or 50kg (females).

Know that you must be deemed physically fit enough to join. Upon joining the Kenyan Armed Forces you will undergo a physical test to determine your readiness to be in the Army. While the examination changes from inspector to inspector, the following principals generally apply.

Trim, healthy gut size.
Proper dental hygiene (not missing teeth or filled with cavities)
Good vision and hearing.
Female candidates may not be pregnant.
Ability to run 5km without stopping.

You MUST also have a National Identity Card.

1. General Conditions
  - Be a Kenyan citizen.
  - Be in possession of a valid Kenyan National Identity Card (ID). Additionally; four (4) copies of National Identity Card and PIN Certificate will be required.
  - Be within the following age brackets:
2. Between 18 and 26 years for GSO Cadets and General Duty Recruits.
3. Not above 30 years of age for Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women with Certificate/Government Trade Test.
4. Not above 39 years of age for Chaplains/Imams and Medical Consultants.
  - Be physically and medically fit in accordance with the KDF standards.
  - Have no criminal record.
5. Minimum Height:
  - Men 60m (5ft 3in).
  - Women 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.
  - Medical Candidates must be medically fit and 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 practising experience in their field of specialisation from the date of registration with the relevant regulatory/statutory body in Kenya.
Minimum Academic Qualifications
- 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 Military Science and Security Studies upon completion.
- Specialist Officers. Must hold the minimum requirement to qualify as GSO Cadet in Para 3.b.(1) 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 at Para 4.c. The training period for Specialist Officers will be six (6) months.
- 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.

(6) 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 and between 35 and 45 years old for retired NYS.
Possess a Discharge Certificate with a minimum rating of “Very Good” in conduct.
Must have served for nine (9) years Colour Service and retired honourably from KDF

Vacancies

1. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets.
2. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – Graduate Degree Holders
  1. Agribusiness Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture.
  2. Archivist. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Information Management & Archiving or Records Management and Archiving or Library and Information Science
  3. Education. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in: Education (Geography, History, French, English/Literature and Physical Education).
  4. Engineering. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in: Geospatial Information Science (GIS), Physical Planning, Survey, Marine, Mechanical, Civil/Structural, Aeronautical/Aerospace/Space, Electrical & Electronics, Telecommunications, Architecture, Mechatronics, Instrumentation & Control, Textile Manufacturing, Meteorology, Geology, Interior Design.
  5. Environmental Science. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or any other related field.
  6. Finance/Business Management. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in: Commerce (Accounting/Finance Option), Entrepreneurship Marketing, Project Planning & Management, Procurement, Human Resource Management, Land Economics and/or Audit.
  7. Hospitality/Catering/Food Production. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in: Hospitality Management, Food Production and/or Catering.
  8. Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Must hold a BSc in Computer Science/IT/Computer Engineering (System Admin, Software Developer/Programmers, Web Design, Networking/Fibre Optics, System Audit/Analyst, Information Management/Statistics, Computer Security & Forensics, Information Security & Forensics).
  9. Mass Communication. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in: Mass Communications, Multi Media, Broadcast Production, Digital Media and Film Production (TV/Radio Production).
  10. Library. Must hold a MSc or BSc in Library Studies & Information Science.
  11. Music. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music or BEd Music.
  12. Telecommunications. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunication and Information Engineering.
  13. Security/Disaster Management. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology/Security Studies/Forensics and Disaster Management.
Specialist Officers
- Archivist. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Information Management & Archiving or Records Management and Archiving or Library and Information Science.
- Chaplaincy. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Theology/Islamic studies from a recognized institution. Roman Catholic and Protestant Chaplains must be ordained Ministers and recommended by Episcopal Conference and Archbishop respectively. Imams must be recommended by the Chief Kadhi.
- Dock Master. Must hold a BSc in Nautical Science.
- Education Officer. Must hold a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, English/Literature, Philosophy, Social Science, Research.
- Engineers. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in: Aeronautical, Aerospace, Astronautics & Space, Space Science & Technology, Naval Architecture, Civil/Structural, Electrical/Electronics, Mechanical, or MSc/BSc in: Instrumentation & Control, Marine and Survey and Telecommunications.
- Environmental Science. Must hold a Masters or Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies or any other related field.
- Finance/Business Management. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in: Public Finance and/or, Procurement.
- Food Science & Technology. Must hold a Masters or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science & Technology.
- Information and Communications Technology. Must hold a MSc/BSc in Computer Science/IT/Computer Engineering (System Admin, Software Developer/Programmers, Web Design, Networking/Fibre Optics, System Audit/Analyst, Information Management/Statistics, Computer Security & Forensics, Information Security & Forensics).
- Mass and Communication. Must hold a Masters/Bachelors degree in: Mass Communications, Multi Media, Broadcast Production, Digital Media and Film Production (TV/Radio Production).
- Legal. Must hold a Bachelor’s of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognized University, be an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, hold a current and valid Practicing Certificate. Certified Public Secretary (CPS) will be an additional advantage.
- Library. Must hold a MSc or BSc in Library Studies & Information Science.
- Medical. Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in: Microbiology/Analytical Chemistry, Science Laboratory, Dentist, Medicine and Surgery, Medical Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Engineering, Nutrition & Dietetics, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Counselling/Counselling Psychology, Public/Environmental Health, Radiology & Imaging, Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry
- Medical Consultations: Master’s degree in: Surgery, Orthopaedic, Anaesthesia, Internal Medicine, Obstetrician/Gynaecologist.
- Music. Must hold a Masters or Bachelor’s degree in Music or BEd Music.

Tradesmen/Women (Diploma Holders)

Agribusiness. Must hold a Diploma in Veterinary, Animal Health (With Certificate in Meat Inspection or Diploma in Health & Meat Technician), Animal Production, Agriculture, Agronomy or Aqua farming.
Archivist. Must hold a Diploma in Archives and Records Management, Information Management & Archiving or Records Management and Archiving or Library and Information Science.
Band/Music. Must hold a Diploma in Music.
Catechists/Maalims. Must hold a Diploma in: Catechetical Studies, Religious Studies in Catechists & Pastoral Ministry, Islamic Studies/Sharia.
Catering/Hospitality. Must hold a Diploma in: Food Production, Catering & Hotel/Hospitality Management.
Curator. Must hold a Diploma in History, Archaeology or Museums Studies.
Education: Must hold a diploma in Education.
Engineering. Must hold a diploma in: Civil, Electrical & Instrument, Refrigeration & Air Con, Automotive (Vehicle Technician/Electrician), Mechanical (Plant/Crane Operator/Boiler), Aeronautical (Airframes & Engines), Electrical & Electronics, Radar/Radio/Telecommunication/Power), Survey/QS Assistant, Geospatial, Meteorology, Chemical Engineering, Construction Technology, Water Engineering, Environmental Science and Textile Engineering.
Finance/Business Management. Must hold a Diploma in: Business Management/Credit Recovery, Entrepreneur, Finance, Insurance, Public Relations, Procurement and Executive/Office Assistant.
Food Production & Technology. Must hold a Diploma in Food Production/Science & Technology
Information and Communications Technology. Must hold a Diploma in: Computer Science/IT/Computer Engineering (System Admin, Software Developer/Programmers, Web Design, Networking/Fibre Optics, System Audit/Analyst, Information Management/Statistics, Computer Security & Forensics, Information Security & Forensics).
Mass Communication. Must hold a diploma in: Journalism, Graphic Design (2D Production & Print), 3D Animation, Studio Management, Sound Engineering (Media Option), Floor Management, Lighting Technician, TV Production, Video Mixer, Videography and Photography.
Library. Must hold a Diploma in Library Studies & Information Science.
Medical. Must hold a Diploma in: Clinical Medicine (RCO), Kenya Registered Clinical Health Nurse (KRCHN), KRCHN with HND, Medical Laboratory Technology, Occupational Therapy, Laundry Technician, Social Workers, Mortician, Speech Therapy, Pharmacy, Medical Records, Public Health, Counselling/Psychology, Anaesthetist, Micro Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Bio Med, Community Oral Health, Radiology & Imaging, Medical Engineering, Physiotherapy, Dental Technology, Nutritionist and, Orthopaedic.
Para Legal. Must hold a Diploma in Legal Studies and have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience.
Records Management. Must hold a Diploma in Records Management.

Artisans (Certificate Holders)

- Automotive Electrician. Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Automotive Electrician.
- Band/Music. Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Music.
- Carpentry. Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Carpentry.
- Catering. Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Catering & Accommodation.
- Masonry. Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Masonry.
- Plant/Crane Operator. Plant/Crane Operator. Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Plant Operations.
- Plumbers. Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Plumbing/Pipe fitting.
- Tailor. Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Tailoring.
- Painters. Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Painting.
- Vehicle Mechanics. Must hold a Craft/Certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics.
- Welder/Fabricators/Fitters General. Must hold a Carft/Certificate in welding/Fabricators Technology.

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