On Monday, August 28, 2023, the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) began a massive nationwide recruitment of sevicemen and women.
The recruiting drive will last through September 8 and will target a variety of groups, including defense forces constables, tradespeople, cadet general service officers, and specialty officers.
Candidates must fulfill a number of requirements, including holding a current Kenyan ID card, being free of any felony convictions, and maintaining a height and weight of at least 1.6 meters for men and 1.52 meters for women.
Age requirements stipulate that candidates for general service officer cadets and general duty recruits should be between 18 and 26 years old. Candidates for specialist officer and tradesman/tradeswoman roles must not exceed 30 years of age.
A prerequisite for specialist officers and tradespeople is a minimum of two years of practical experience in their respective fields.
Physical fitness is a crucial aspect, with candidates required to have healthy skin without significant scars or tattoos.
The exercise in Nairobi was overseen by Vice Chief of Defence Forces, Lt General Johnah Mwangi, who sternly cautioned against resorting to bribery for recruitment purposes.
Aden Duale, the Defence Cabinet Secretary, asserted that the military recruitment process would adhere to fairness, transparency, and integrity principles for all eligible young Kenyan individuals.
He committed to ensuring a diverse representation by selecting military officers and service members from various regions across the country.
Cs Duale further warned parents, urging them not to provide any monetary incentives to secure these positions.
The KDF emphasizes the importance of a fair selection process and urges the public to avoid unethical practices influencing recruitment.
In an interview with KBC on Wednesday, General Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces of Kenya, stressed that stringent measures are in place to guarantee an equitable recruitment process.
He also cautioned against any attempts to gain entry into the military through inappropriate means.
General Ogolla highlighted the KDF’s commitment to enhancing the representation of female officers, which currently stands at 17 percent, aligning with the military’s gender policy.
