The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has raised concerns over a troubling trend of drug use among young people in Garissa, following the latest recruitment exercise for 2025. During the recruitment process held at the Police Training Centre (PTC) in Garissa town, medical tests revealed that a significant number of potential recruits had traces of illegal substances in their system. The exercise saw at least 250 candidates gather in hopes of joining the KDF, with many aspiring to join either the general duty forces or the Defence Forces constabulary.
In recent years, Garissa has grappled with a growing drug abuse problem, especially among the youth. The region, which is located near porous borders, faces challenges in controlling the flow of illicit drugs from neighboring countries. Popular drugs in the area include bhang (marijuana), cocaine, and miraa (khat). Additionally, there has been an alarming rise in the misuse of prescription drugs like diazepam and codeine, further exacerbating the issue.
Despite Garissa being predominantly Muslim, where the consumption of alcohol is prohibited, underground use of illicit alcohol and brews has continued. Religious leaders, national government officials, and multi-agency teams have been working to curb the menace, but efforts have yet to yield the desired results. This growing issue has made Garissa one of the regions listed by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) as a hotspot for drug abuse.
KDF officials expressed concern over the high number of recruits who tested positive for drugs during medical evaluations. Lieutenant Colonel Mohamud Maalim, who oversaw the recruitment exercise, emphasized that the situation was worrying but assured the public that the KDF would still meet its recruitment targets. “We have managed to take in about 250 potential recruits, which includes both general duty recruits and those who had previously served in the KDF and National Youth Service,” Maalim stated.
Despite the issues with drug abuse, Maalim commended the young men and women who displayed ambition and optimism throughout the exercise. He also reassured both candidates and the public that the recruitment process was being conducted with transparency and fairness. The KDF maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on corruption, and the recruitment process is carried out accordingly.
As the KDF continues its recruitment drive, officials remain hopeful that the exercise will result in the selection of highly motivated and drug-free recruits to serve the nation
