The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) has issued a fresh directive regarding those seeking to join the military but have not been vaccinated.
Through an announcement made by Vice Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Francis Ogolla, on Tuesday, November 16, those who are not vaccinated will be not be discriminated against.
Ogolla maintained that after successful recruitment, they will have to be vaccinated before being allowed to join the military training schools.
"Those who are yet to be vaccinated will not be discriminated against, as opportunities will be provided for them to get the Covid-19 jab after successful recruitment," he stated.
He also clarified on those seeking to join the forces but hold dual citizenship. Ogolla noted that those with dual citizenship will not be allowed to join KDF.
This is in line with the Constitution pronouncement that states: "A state officer or a member of the defense forces shall not hold dual citizenship."
On other clarifications regarding the recruitment exercise, the vice KDF chief stated that persons found to have been engaging in use of unlawful substances, those with medical conditions, those with past tainted records, those that fake their academic credentials, and those that attempt to buy their way into the military will also not be considered.
“We have a problem of recruits with excellent qualifications testing positive for outlawed substance. The youth must be informed that this is not the way to go… If you are left out for one reason or another, try again next time,” advised Lt. Gen. Ogolla.
"Should anyone give a bribe during this exercise, they will have themselves to blame,” he added.
So far, a multi-agency team led by senior KDF officers have been deployed to monitor the exercise. Also, those brought on board include National Intelligence Service, EACC, and local police officers.
The latest recruitment drive seeks to increase the number of female recruits to between 18-20 per cent this year, up from 17 per cent in January this year and 15 per cent in 2015. The exercise will characterised by intense exercise to identify the best candidates.
“As with all our previous physical exercises, candidates will be required to undergo rigorous physical exercises as well as medical tests,” said Lt Gen Ogolla.
The exercise is expected to run up to November 26. It is currently taking place between 8 am and 6 pm on weekdays at the designated centers.
So far, a few officers have been apprehended for malpractice with the latest incident being in Homa Bay for masquerading as KDF officers and soliciting money from recruits.
