The ongoing Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment exercise caught the attention of Parliament with Senators debating on allegations of bribes applicants were being forced to pay to be selected.
Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, February 17, Narok Senator Ledama OleKina said that corruption during the exercise had compromised the recruitment drive and was a waste of the country's resources.
"Whenever there's a recruitment drive, people allege that they pay bribes from Ksh300,000, with some senior officers demanding up to Ksh700,000 to enlist recruits into the military.
"This is not only criminal but a threat to our national security," he observed.
Reiterating the sentiments was Bomet Senator Christopher Langat who disclosed that a constituent had sent him a text message informing him of the hefty bribes demanded at the recruitment centres.
"There was an orphan who has texted me, who was rejected because the officers allegedly demanded Ksh400,000," he noted.
Migori Senator Ochillo Ayacko revealed that there were people who had contacted him to facilitate a bribe to officers who could guarantee entry into the KDF.
The senators noted that the recruitment process had been commercialised with the highest bidder allocated slots.
Senator Ole Kina further urged the Cabinet Secretary of Defence and the top leadership of KDF to ensure there was a fair opportunity for the recruits.
"I also urged the Standing committee on National Defence and Foreign relations to investigate the matter and come up with a more accountable way of carrying out the process," he stated.
Two people were on February 10, arrested with over Ksh500,000 trying to bribe KDF recruitment officers.
The recruitment exercise has attracted thousands of youth who are keen to join the military.
