The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) marked a major milestone in its annual recruitment journey, handing over the newest cohort of recruits to the Commandant of the Defence Forces Recruits Training School (DFRTS).

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.

The handover ceremony marked a key moment for the recruits who were first selected during the nationwide exercise that began on October 13, 2025. Their verification and documentation process officially commenced on November 10, 2025, culminating in their formal handover to DFRTS.

“A significant milestone was marked with the official handover of Recruits Cohort 01/25 to the Commandant DFRTS following an elaborate verification and documentation process which began on 10th November 2025. The event signified the successful conclusion of a recruitment exercise that had commenced on October 13, 2025,” the statement read.

The recruits will now begin their six-month foundational military training before progressing to specialised roles based on service needs.

“The successful recruits will undergo a six-month foundational basic military training, followed by specialised training in their respective services, units and formations upon passing out,” the statement reads.

During the ceremony, officers who oversaw the national vetting encouraged the recruits to embrace discipline, unity and resilience as they begin their military journey. Brigadier Alphonce Ndar reminded them of the high expectations placed on every service member.

“The recruits met the high standards required for enlistment in the KDF,” he stated, emphasising the fairness of the exercise and the diversity represented across the cohort.

“The value of diversity and unity in the KDF as demonstrated by the different parts of the country they come from,” he stated.

Chief Recruiting Officer Brigadier Samuel Kimani cautioned the new cohort on personal conduct and well-being, highlighting KDF’s strict policies on drug use.

“KDF has a zero-tolerance policy on drug use,” he stated, adding that those found to have used banned substances were disqualified. He urged them to stay focused and humble throughout training, as “the list of successful recruits was then handed over to the Commandant DFRTS Brigadier Peter Kimondiu,” the statement reads.

Upon receiving them, Brigadier Kimondiu encouraged the recruits to mentally prepare for a demanding but transformative journey. He outlined the structure of their training, saying it includes 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 new cohort includes 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.