CS Tuya Announces Guidelines For 2025 KDF Recruitment Drive

Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has unveiled guidelines for the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) 2025 recruitment exercise.

Speaking on Monday, October 13, during the launch of the KDF recruitment exercise at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, CS Tuya said all candidates must adhere to the published instructions.

“All candidates must adhere strictly to the published guidelines and present themselves honestly at the designated recruitment centers,” said Tuya.

She called on members of the public to reject any attempts of bribery during the recruitment drive.

Tuya noted that the recruitment will only be carried out at designated centers and advertised by the Ministry of Defence.

“Kenyans are urged to reject and report any attempts of bribery or any form of undue influence. Please note that the recruitment shall only be done at the designated recruitment centers as published in the advert that has been running for a month,” she stated.

The Defence CS said the candidates must exercise absolute honesty in presenting their identification documents and academic certificates.

Tuya mentioned that there will be a verification exercise at the recruitment centers involving KNEC officials and police officers.

“Vigorous verification will be conducted at every recruitment center in partnership with the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC), National Police Service (NPS)

“Anyone found with forged documentation will face prosecution, not to mention instant disqualification,” CS Tuya stated.

She also said identified potential recruits will undergo further processing and shall remain subject to continuous vetting throughout training and service in order to uphold the honor and trust vested in the military.

Further, CS Tuya said all successful candidates shall be notified at the recruitment centers at the end of the exercise.

This comes days after the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, cautioned KDF recruitment officers against engaging in any form of malpractice ahead of its recruitment exercise.

Speaking during a briefing session at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi on Thursday, October 9, Kahariri highlighted the importance of integrity, transparency, and professionalism throughout the recruitment process.

He reminded officers that the trust Kenyans have in the military is anchored in a fair, open, and merit-based system

He warned that any officer found engaging in activities that tarnish the integrity of the exercise would face immediate and severe disciplinary action.

"The reputation of the KDF has been built over decades of discipline and service to the nation. This exercise must reflect our core values of integrity, patriotism, and excellence.

"Technology is now at the heart of our recruitment process, and it is our duty to ensure it is used effectively to eliminate human interference and corruption," he said.

KDF on September 15 announced a recruitment exercise set to take place in October.

In the advert, KDF said the exercise will target to recruit General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, both Regular and Graduate, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen and women, as well as Constables.