The Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, has cautioned Kenya Defence Forces (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.
Kahariri revealed that the KDF has integrated advanced technology into its recruitment process to strengthen verification procedures and curb corruption.
He warned that any officer found engaging in activities that tarnish the integrity of the exercise would face immediate and severe disciplinary action.
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Kahariri further stressed that corruption within the recruitment process undermines national security by compromising the quality and reliability of personnel joining the ranks.
"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.
On Sunday, September 15, KDF announced a recruitment exercise set to take place in October.
In a notice, KDF said the exercise will target General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, both Regular and Graduate, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen and women, as well as Defence Forces Constables.
The Ministry of Defence added that the recruitment process is free and open to all eligible and qualified candidates.
It also cautioned the public against engaging in bribery or corruption in a bid to influence the process, warning that any such act constitutes a criminal offence.
The ministry urged members of the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station, military camp, or through the provided hotline numbers.
"Any individual found to be involved in recruitment-related malpractice will be arrested and prosecuted.
"The Public is urged to report any incidents of recruitment malpractice to the nearest Police Station or Military Camp or call the dedicated Hotline numbers: 0726419706/0726419709," the notice read.
KDF noted that successful applicants in the various categories will undergo verification and training at designated KDF institutions.
Minimum academic qualifications have also been outlined, including a KCSE grade of B (Plain) with C+ in English, Mathematics and one science subject for GSO Cadets (Regular), while graduate cadet applicants are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
Elsewhere, Members of Parliament representing constituencies in Nairobi County protested the KDF recruitment advertisement.
In a joint statement on Thursday, September 18, MPs representing Nairobi’s 17 constituencies, the Senator and the Woman Representative, demanded an urgent review of the recruitment itinerary, terming it discriminatory and unfair.
The leaders argued that the current plan sidelines the county’s residents by consolidating multiple constituencies into a handful of recruitment centres.
According to the advert, applicants from Embakasi Central, Embakasi East, Embakasi South, Embakasi West, Kamukunji, Makadara, and Starehe are all required to report to Nyayo Stadium.
Meanwhile, Kasarani, Ruaraka, Mathare, and Roysambu candidates have been directed to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, while Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Lang’ata, Kibra, and Westlands have been grouped at Jamhuri Grounds.
The legislators argue that this arrangement is in contrast to other counties, where recruitment centres are provided at the sub-county level.
"The consolidation of recruitment centres for over a dozen constituencies presents a logistical nightmare and is in stark contrast to other counties, where recruitment centres are designated for each sub-county, reflecting a more decentralised and equitable approach," the MPs said.
As such, the legislators demanded that the Ministry of Defence review the itinerary and establish separate recruitment centres for each of Nairobi’s 17 constituencies.
Additionally, the MPs demanded that affirmative action be introduced to expand opportunities for urban youth, who face limited prospects due to population density and unemployment.
"We expect a formal reply to this demand within seven (7) days of the date of this letter. Failure to take immediate and decisive action on this matter will be seen as a deliberate act of discrimination against the constituents we represent.
"We trust that you will give this matter the serious and urgent attention it deserves and will act swiftly to rectify these glaring disparities," the MPs further said.
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