Kenya Air Force Recruitment: The Kenya Air Force (KAF) is one of the three main branches of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), alongside the Kenya Army and Kenya Navy. Established in 1964, the Air Force plays a critical role in defending Kenyan airspace, providing aerial support to ground operations, and participating in humanitarian missions.
Every year, thousands of young Kenyans aspire to join the Air Force because of its prestige, discipline, and career opportunities.
However, recruitment into the Kenya Air Force is competitive, transparent, and conducted under strict regulations. Understanding the process in detail helps prospective candidates prepare in advance and avoid common pitfalls, such as falling victim to fraudulent adverts.
Status
The Keny air Force is not currently under going the recruitment process.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued an advisory that there are no active recruitment drives at this time. This clarification follows a surge of fake online adverts and social media posts claiming otherwise. Such scams usually demand money from desperate job seekers, but applicants should note that official KDF recruitment is free of charge.
The next official exercise will be announced widely through:
- National television and radio stations
- Newspapers
- The Ministry of Defence website (www.mod.go.ke)
- Official KDF social media platforms
Candidates should therefore remain alert and avoid acting on unofficial sources.
Official Portal
The official recruitment announcements, application guidelines, and updates will be published on the Ministry of Defence’s official website:
This is the only trusted portal for recruitment information. Any other websites, WhatsApp groups, or individuals claiming to offer direct recruitment opportunities are not legitimate.
Eligible Counties
Kenya Air Force recruitment is traditionally nationwide. In past exercises, recruitment was carried out in all 47 counties of Kenya. This ensures fairness, regional balance, and equal opportunity for candidates across the country.
| Nairobi | Mombasa | Homa Bay |
| Tharaka-Nithi | Kajiado | Meru |
| Narok | Isiolo | Kisumu |
| Marsabit | Siaya | Mandera |
| Wajir | Garissa | Taita Mak Taveta |
| Kilifi | Tana River | Lamu |
| Kwale | Samburu | Busia |
| Kakamega | Vihiga | Bungoma |
| Bomet | Kericho | Machakos |
| Kitui | Embu | Makueni |
| West Pokot | Nakuru | Nyamira |
| Kisii | Migori | Turkana |
| Kiambu | Nyeri | Nyandarua |
| Murang’a | Laikipia | Nandi |
| Kirinyaga | Baringo | Elgeyo-Marakwet |
| Trans-Nzoia | Uasin Gishu |
When the official recruitment opens, the Ministry of Defence will release a detailed timetable showing dates and recruitment centers for each county. Candidates are required to attend the exercise in their home counties with proper documentation.
Available Vacancies / Opportunities
When announced, the recruitment usually covers the following categories:
General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets
- Suitable for fresh school leavers who have excelled academically.
- Offers an opportunity to undergo officer training and later serve in leadership roles.
Specialist Officer Cadets
- Recruited from graduates and diploma holders in specialized fields such as engineering, medicine, law, and IT.
- They are commissioned to provide technical expertise within the Air Force.
General Duty Recruits
- Form the bulk of enlisted personnel.
- Responsible for frontline duties, technical support, and operational roles.
Tradesmen/Women
- Include skilled professionals such as artisans, electricians, mechanics, drivers, and technicians.
- Must have recognized trade qualifications or experience.
Defence Forces Constables
- Often recruited from former military personnel or individuals with prior service in disciplined forces.
- They provide support roles within the Air Force structure.
Requirements
While the current recruitment is not yet open, the Ministry of Defence usually outlines the following eligibility criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a Kenyan citizen with a valid National ID.
- Age:
- GSO Cadets: 18–26 years
- Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/Women: Not above 30 years
- Defence Forces Constables: May have higher age limits depending on prior service, sometimes up to 55 years
- Education:
- KCSE certificate with minimum grades (varies by role)
- Diploma or degree for specialists and officers
- Recognized trade certificates for tradesmen/women
- Physical & Medical Fitness:
- Minimum height (men: 1.6m, women: 1.52m)
- Healthy BMI and clear medical history
- Physically fit and capable of passing endurance tests
- Marital Status:
- Cadets and recruits must be single and without dependents
- Character:
- Must have a clean record, with no criminal convictions
These requirements are strictly enforced, and applicants who fail to meet them are disqualified.
How to Apply
When the official recruitment opens, candidates will follow a straightforward process:
- Check official announcements on www.mod.go.ke or national newspapers.
- Note the recruitment centers and dates for your county.
- Prepare documents – academic certificates, original ID card, and other relevant documents.
- Attend in person at the designated recruitment center.
- Undergo screening – physical fitness, document verification, and medical checks.
- Await selection – successful candidates will be notified and guided on training.
Important Reminder: The process is completely free. Paying bribes or using middlemen will only lead to disqualification and possible legal consequences.
Deadline
At the moment, there is no deadline, since the 2025/2026 Kenya Air Force recruitment is not yet open.
In past exercises, recruitment typically ran over a 2–3 week period. Once official dates are announced, candidates must ensure they attend on time because late submissions or absences are not allowed.
Benefits of Joining the Kenya Air Force
Joining the Kenya Air Force is not just about serving the nation it also comes with significant personal and professional benefits:
- Competitive salary and allowances
- Personnel and their families are given free medical care.
- Career progression opportunities
- Access to technical training and higher education
- Pension benefits upon retirement
- Opportunity to serve in peacekeeping and international missions
Also Read
Training
Successful candidates undergo training at the Kenya Defence Forces Recruits Training School (RTS) in Eldoret or specialized academies. Training includes:
- Physical fitness drills
- Military tactics
- Technical and aviation studies
- Discipline and leadership development
Graduates are then deployed to different Air Force bases across Kenya.
Final Note
Many applicants eagerly await the 2025/2026 Kenya Air Force recruitment, but the exercise has not yet opened. Applicants should ignore fake adverts circulating online and only rely on official updates from the Ministry of Defence.
Keep checking:
www.mod.go.ke
Stay alert, stay prepared, and avoid scams.