The Defence Forces Recruit Training School (DFRTS) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, today marked a major milestone as it officially received recruits for Cohort 01/25, signalling the start of their journey into military service.
The colorful reception ceremony was presided over by Brigadier Alphonce Ndar of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), who commended the recruits for successfully passing through the rigorous selection process that earned them a place in one of the country’s most disciplined institutions.
Addressing the recruits, Ndar urged them to embrace the values of discipline, loyalty, and resilience as they embark on their training.
“I wish you nothing but success. Stay healthy, take care of yourselves, and approach your training with discipline and commitment,” he said.
He noted that the recruits were joining a proud institution with a long-standing tradition of producing men and women who serve the nation with integrity and professionalism.
The DFRTS, located at the heart of Eldoret, serves as the foundation of all KDF personnel, shaping recruits into dependable soldiers ready to defend and serve Kenya both locally and abroad.
Upon arrival, the recruits will undergo a comprehensive process that includes document verification, medical screening, biometric registration, issuance of kits, and an initial orientation.
These preliminary steps are aimed at ensuring that each recruit meets the required standards and is adequately prepared for the demanding months ahead.
Cohort 01/25 comprises both general duty recruits and tradesmen and tradeswomen, reflecting the KDF’s continued commitment to developing a diverse and skilled force capable of meeting modern defence and operational challenges.
The recruits undergo a nine-month rigorous training at the school.
Their training will cover a wide range of core areas, including physical conditioning, discipline, field craft, leadership development, and foundational soldiering skills.
Brigadier
Alphonce Ndar address the recruits when they arrived at DFRTS on November 11, 2025/KDFThe curriculum is designed not only to strengthen their bodies but also to build mental toughness, teamwork, and a sense of duty to the nation.
The recruits’ successful completion of the program will mark the beginning of rewarding military careers, with opportunities for specialisation and progression within the KDF.
The arrival of the new cohort also highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to expand and professionalize the military, ensuring it remains ready to safeguard Kenya’s sovereignty and contribute to peacekeeping missions across the region.
The last nationwide recruitment exercise by KDF was in September 2023.
