The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced that its national recruitment exercise will continue as scheduled, even as a court case challenging the process plays out.
Speaking on Monday, October 13, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya unveiled a fresh set of guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness during the ongoing recruitment, which will run until October 25.
The exercise targets General Service Officer (GSO) cadets — both regular and graduate, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen and Women, and Defence Forces Constables.
Tuya assured Kenyans that no one will be allowed to manipulate or corrupt the process, noting that her ministry has intensified a crackdown on individuals extorting money from unsuspecting applicants.
“We are flagging off this exercise with a clear message — KDF recruitment is free, fair, and open to all eligible Kenyans. Any form of bribery or canvassing will be met with arrest and prosecution,” she warned.
The CS emphasized that the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), EACC, and the National Police Service have all been deployed to monitor and prevent cases of fraud.
Tuya urged Kenyans to report any corruption attempts via two official hotlines — 0726 419 706 and 0726 419 709, adding that swift legal action will follow against anyone found demanding or accepting bribes.
She also cautioned potential recruits against using forged documents, warning that those caught will face immediate disqualification and prosecution.
Successful candidates will undergo additional vetting to confirm their competence and suitability for service.
“Let this be a moment of pride, not fear. The Kenya Defence Forces stand for discipline, dignity, and duty — and every recruit must reflect those values,” Tuya added.
Court Case Over Nairobi Recruitment Centers
Meanwhile, a group of Nairobi lawmakers, led by Senator Edwin Sifuna, recently moved to court accusing the Ministry of Defence of failing to allocate sufficient recruitment centers in the county.
Tuya acknowledged the ongoing case but clarified that there was no court order halting the recruitment, allowing the exercise to proceed uninterrupted.
“The case is still alive in court, but since no directive has been issued to stop the process, we will continue. However, we will fully comply with any ruling that may later be given,” she affirmed.
The Defence CS noted that her ministry is engaging in talks with Nairobi’s leaders to resolve the matter amicably without disrupting the nationwide recruitment schedule.
“We’ve been in dialogue with the Nairobi County MPs to address their concerns about recruitment centers. Our goal is to find common ground while ensuring every qualified Kenyan has a fair opportunity,” she said.
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