The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has launched its 2025 nationwide recruitment exercise, introducing new measures to ensure transparency and fairness. The exercise, which began on Monday, covers the enlistment of General Service Officer (GSO) cadets both regular and graduate Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen and Women, and Defence Forces Constables. It is scheduled to run until October 25.
Speaking during the launch, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a corruption-free recruitment process. She revealed that a multi-agency task force comprising the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the National Police Service has been deployed to monitor the process and curb bribery or extortion.
Tuya warned that individuals found soliciting or offering bribes will be arrested and prosecuted. “We are flagging off this exercise with a clear message: the Kenya Defence Forces recruitment is free, fair, and open to all eligible Kenyans. Any form of bribery or canvassing will be met with apprehension and prosecution,” she stated.
The CS urged citizens to report any cases of fraud or bribery through the official hotlines 0726 419 706 and 0726 419 709. She further cautioned potential recruits against presenting forged documents, warning that such acts would result in immediate disqualification and legal action.
Addressing the ongoing court case filed by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other city lawmakers over the limited number of recruitment centres in Nairobi, Tuya confirmed that the exercise will proceed until a court directive is issued.
“We have engaged Nairobi leaders to address their concerns, but since the court has not ordered a halt, recruitment will continue as planned,” she noted.
Tuya emphasized that the KDF upholds discipline, dignity, and duty values that every recruit must embody as they join the ranks of Kenya’s military.
