The ongoing Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) nationwide recruitment drive has seen hundreds of young applicants turned away after being found unfit for enlistment.
Reports from Lamu County, where the latest round of the exercise was conducted across Mpeketoni, Lamu Central, and Faza centres, indicated that several candidates were disqualified after failing medical and background checks linked to substance abuse, according to KDF.
Speaking during the exercise, Senior Medical Officer Lieutenant Colonel Wasike confirmed that drug and substance abuse remains one of the leading causes of disqualification during recruitment.
He noted that despite meeting other physical and academic requirements, many applicants were deemed medically unfit to serve due to long-term health complications associated with drug use.
He emphasised the importance of community-driven solutions, urging local leaders, schools, and parents to collaborate in guiding young people away from drugs and towards constructive engagements that build discipline and character.
Meanwhile, local administrators and community representatives who attended the exercise praised the KDF for maintaining professionalism and transparency throughout the recruitment process.
Additionally, they lauded the initiative as a critical platform for empowering youth through employment while strengthening the bond between communities and the country’s security institutions.
At the same time, KDF has revealed that each participant underwent document verification, physical fitness assessments, medical screenings, and structured interviews to ensure only the best were selected.
"The recruitment exercise in Lamu County reaffirmed the Kenya Defence Forces’ unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and equal opportunity in its enlistment process, ensuring that every qualified candidate is given a fair and transparent chance to serve the nation," it added.
The current recruitment exercise targets to onboard General Service Officers (GSO) cadets – regular and graduate, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen and Women, and Defence Forces Constables.
After a long hiatus, this year's recruitment saw various applicants and members of the public allege that it was marred by controversy and bribery.
A group of Nairobi-based legislators filed a case challenging the process. However, with the court yet to decide, the exercise went on as had been announced.
However, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, had instructed recruitment officers to ensure that the selection process was strictly merit-based.
Speaking during a briefing session at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi, General Kahariri reminded officers that public trust in the military depends on transparency and fairness. He warned that anyone found engaging in malpractice will face immediate and severe disciplinary action.
