The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has released the list of over 3,000 candidates shortlisted for vacancies in the roles of General Service Officer (GSO) cadets (regular and graduate), specialist officers, and tradesmen and women.
In the notice released on Friday, October 24, KDF invited the shortlisted candidates for interviews and selection on set dates and locations.
For the GSO cadets (regular) vacancies, KDF directed the 861 shortlisted candidates to report to the Kenya Military Academy (KMA) in Lanet, Nakuru, on Monday, December 1, at 8am for interviews.
Regular GSO cadets are career military officers who are trained to provide leadership in the KDF across various branches (Army, Air Force, and Navy). They form the backbone of the officer corps.
They are trained to become career military leaders responsible for commanding troops, planning operations, and maintaining discipline within the KDF. They undergo a three-year military and academic program at KMA, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Military and Security Studies from Kenyatta University (KU).
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The 706 shortlisted candidates for GSO cadets (graduate) vacancies were instructed to report to KMA on Monday, November 24, at 8am for interviews.
For GSO graduate cadets, these are degree holders recruited into the KDF to take on officer roles, similar to regular cadets, but with a shorter training period since they already possess academic qualifications.
They provide leadership and apply their academic expertise in operational, administrative, and technical roles within the KDF. Such officers undergo approximately nine months of intensive military leadership training at KMA.
In addition, shortlisted candidates interested in being specialist officers were directed to appear for interviews on Monday, December 8, at the Kenya Military Academy from 8am. As per the list released by KDF, the shortlisted candidates amounted to 493.
Specialist Officers
Specialist officers are professionals recruited to provide technical or specialized services crucial to the military’s functioning. They are commissioned officers but operate mainly in their professional capacities rather than combat roles.
They include medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, engineers, lawyers, IT specialists, cybersecurity experts, pilots and air traffic controllers, chaplains, and Imams. Specialist officers provide their expert opinion, participate in training and mentorship, and ensure operational efficiency in technical and administrative departments.
Specialist officers undergo basic military orientation and officer training to integrate into military culture before being deployed to their respective specialisations.
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Tradesmen and Women
Further, KDF disclosed that 1,310 candidates had been shortlisted for the vacancies in the positions of tradesmen and women. The candidates were directed to report to the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Langata, Nairobi, on Monday, November 3, for interviews.
Tradesmen and women are highly equipped service members recruited to perform technical, mechanical, and vocational duties that support KDF operations.
They include electricians, mechanics, technicians, drivers, carpenters, masons, welders, tailors, cooks, storekeepers, clerks, musicians, bandsmen, instrument technicians, ICT, and communication technicians.
Their duties include providing technical and logistical support, maintaining, repairing, and operating machinery and equipment, supporting base operations, and assisting in operational readiness and day-to-day functioning of the force.
They undergo basic military training at the Kenya Defence Forces Training School in Eldoret, followed by trade-specific training in relevant military workshops or training centres.
All candidates were required to bring their original national Identification Card (ID Card), academic and professional certificates, Curriculum Vitae, and any other relevant testimonials, along with four copies of the same.
Candidates were informed that food and accommodation would be provided throughout the interview period. Also, unsuccessful candidates would be reimbursed travel expenses in accordance with KDF Regulations. Another advisory to the candidates was to carry warm clothing.
