Six recruits join KDF in Laikipia West

By Dennis Kipkirui 

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) conducted a recruitment exercise throughout the country from Monday. They expect to recruit 2200 servicemen. In the past the exercise had been marred by allegations of corruption and general discrimination. Conmen have often made a killing promising to secure vacancies in exchange for cash, a cycle the military is determined to break this time round. Last week KDF issued a warning against fraudsters ahead of the military’s national recruitment exercise that has kicked off. The exercise that is expected to run for 28 days will see 150 cadets, 25 specialists and 2200 military service men and women joining the country’s armed forces. 

Recruitment in Laikipia West District began early morning in Rumuruti town  led by Lt-Col Wafula. Over 2000 candidates turned up to be screened in the exercise that saw some of them recruited to join Kenya Armed Forces, Kenya Air Force and Kenya Navy. Frustrations, fatigue, tension and surprises characterized the exercise. Part of the screening involved physical fitness where candidates ran for 5km and thereafter underwent other tests that include medical check-up height and academic qualification. The selection was done based on the five divisions in the area. 

Kenya Defence Forces recruitment exercise

An interview with the candidates revealed that they had traveled a day earlier to the town to enable them turn up on time for the exercise. Most of them were optimistic that they were going to be selected to the country’s top security service. However, some expressed their reservations on the recruitment criteria with great contempt particularly on the age and height factor. KDF expects a new recruit to be 5ft tall and not more than 28 years. Candidates interviewed asked KDF to emulate the US which produces the best forces in the world yet they recruit short people who are up to 32 years of age. 

At the end of the exercise, a total of 6 candidates were recruited from the district. Five gentlemen and a lady were recruited from the three divisions of Sipili, Ol Moran and Rumuruti.

The country is engaged in military battle with Al-shabaab a dreaded militia in Somalia. This has seen the influx of recruits required by the forces this year. KDF has been in Somalia for over year in an operation dubbed operation linda nchi which has seen it drive away militia groups from their strongholds.

National Youth Service (NYS) will recruit youths to join it on Wednesday.