The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has entered the final stage of its 2025 recruitment exercise.
In a statement on Wednesday, December 10, KDF said the final phase commenced after shortlisted Specialist Officer candidates reported to the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet, Nakuru.
"The Kenya Military Academy has received shortlisted Specialist Officer candidates for the 2025 Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment exercise at Lanet, Nakuru. The candidates represent a diverse pool of professionals, including engineers, medical practitioners, media specialists and other technical experts," the military said.
KDF said the final assessment stage will be thorough and highly competitive as officers seek to identify individuals fit for specialist cadet training.
Read More
"Over the coming days, they will undergo documentation verification, comprehensive medical examinations, physical fitness assessments and evaluations of professional competencies to determine their suitability for enlistment as Specialist Cadet Officers," the military added.
Speaking during the start of the final phase, Chief Recruiting Officer Brigadier Samuel Kimani urged candidates to uphold discipline throughout the exercise.
"I urge all participating in this exercise to maintain the highest levels of integrity and adhere strictly to the rules and regulations in place. The KDF does not, and will not, tolerate any form of recruitment malpractice. Any such incidents will be dealt with accordingly," he said.
Recruitment Chief Coordinator Brigadier Alphonce Ndar reminded them that each stage of the recruitment process is intentionally designed to reflect the values of the military and test both character and competence.
This comes a week after KDF responded to reports alleging that some of its personnel stole part of a major drug consignment intercepted in the Indian Ocean.
In a statement on Tuesday, December 2, KDF acknowledged that allegations had emerged suggesting that some personnel stole part of the drugs while they were being offloaded.
"On 25th October 2025, a multi-agency security team, including personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), successfully intercepted a dhow off the coast carrying 1,024 kilograms of methamphetamine (crystal meth).
"It has been alleged that during the operation, and as the narcotics were being offloaded for transport ashore, some KDF personnel involved in the mission stole and concealed a portion of the narcotics for personal gain," the statement read.
However, the military was categorical that none of the drugs are missing, noting that the entire consignment remains secure under a multi-agency watch.
"We wish to clarify that the entire 1,024 kilograms of methamphetamine offloaded ashore remains intact and is under continuous, round-the-clock protection by a dedicated multi-agency security team," the statement added.
KDF added that investigations into the officers suspected of involvement are ongoing, and disciplinary action will follow if the claims are proven.
"The suspected KDF personnel are currently under investigation by the relevant authorities. Should the allegations be substantiated, appropriate disciplinary and legal measures will be taken in accordance with the law," the statement concluded.
