KDF recruitment enters its last phase, receives shortlisted Specialist Officer candidates
By Luke Oluoch, December 10, 2025The Kenya Military Academy has received shortlisted Specialist Officer candidates for the 2025 Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment exercise in Lanet, Nakuru, marking the final phase of the recruitment process.
In a statement on its portal on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, KDF revealed that the shortlisted candidates were selected from a diverse pool of professionals, including engineers, medical practitioners, media specialists, and other technical experts.
Verification process
The recruitment phase now moves to the students undergoing documentation verification, comprehensive medical examinations, physical fitness assessments, and evaluations of professional competencies to determine their suitability for enlistment as Specialist Cadet Officers.
Chief Recruiting Officer Brigadier Samuel Kimani underscored the importance of the process, challenging the personnel involved to observe transparency and fairness as they seek to produce a new generation of defence leaders equipped with the cross-cutting skills required to meet Kenya’s evolving security needs.
Also watch: Vihiga senator slams KDF and police recruitment as largely a scam.
Recruitment malpractice
“I urge all participating in this exercise to maintain the highest levels of integrity and adhere strictly to the rules and regulations in place. The KDF does not, and will not, tolerate any form of recruitment malpractice. Any such incidents will be dealt with accordingly,” he stated.
On his part, Recruitment Chief Coordinator Brigadier Alphonce Ndar reminded the candidates to avoid seeking shortcuts, emphasising that each stage of the recruitment process is designed to test both character and capability.
The new development comes after the official handing over of the cohort of recruits to the Commandant of the Defence Forces Recruits Training School (DFRTS) on Friday, November 21, 2025.
The event, held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the DFRTS Parade Square, brought together officers, trainers, and young recruits who have spent weeks undergoing intense verification after the national recruitment exercise.
Upon receiving them, Commandant DFRTS Brigadier Peter Kimondiu encouraged the recruits to mentally prepare for a demanding but transformative journey.
Shaping soldiers
He outlined the structure of their training, saying it included the breaking stage, construction stage, and consolidation stage, adding that each step is crucial in shaping a soldier.
He congratulated the young men and women, noting that he welcomed them warmly and praised them for earning a place in the KDF.
The cohort included both general duty recruits and tradesmen and women drawn from all 47 counties, reflecting the national character of the military and the country’s commitment to equal opportunity.