Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Thursday, April 29, explained that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) was strict on weight and height requirements during recruitment exercises owing to the nature of training in the military.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Duale expressed that military recruitment and training were different from those of other disciplined forces, hence the tough rules.
In particular, he noted that recruits were occasionally required to carry heavy loads during training - exercises that individuals who are underweight could not handle.
Duale added that if underweights were involved in the exercises, the move would prove fatal.
"KDF recruits must also meet the requirements in terms of height and weight. There are those who lose out in terms of weight.
"The generals explained to me that underweights cannot be taken in because, during training, they are required to carry a lot of weight that may be heavier than them by over 20 kilograms. Someone can lose their life in the process,"
With respect to height, the CS underlined that there were reforms done to allow more Kenyans to get opportunities to join the military.
However, he maintained that there is a level the military could not go below because of the machinery handled by recruits and army officials.
"There are short people in KDF. However, there is a level that we cannot accept. We have a parade and they also carry weapons among many other things," Duale expounded.
On the other hand, he promised to oversee free and fair recruitment during his tenure adding that qualified Kenyans would get an opportunity to serve the country.
KDF is scheduled to carry out a recruitment exercise by the end of the year.
Weight & Height Specification
According to KDF, recruits are required to be 160 cm tall and weigh an average of 54.55 kilograms.
Their female counterparts on the other hand should have an average height of 152 cm and weigh above 50 kilograms.
Other requirements include being physically and medically fit.
"Female candidates must not be pregnant at the time of recruitment and during the entire duration of the training," KDF's recruitment guidelines read.
