Suna East sub-county in Migori, recorded a low turnout in the ongoing Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment drive, prompting the military to plead with the youth to show up and contest for available slots.
Only 350 youth from the Suna East constituency, managed by Junet Mohamed, an opposition Member of Parliament, turned up for the second day of the recruitment exercise.
Even though qualifications are as attainable as 18-26 years for cadets, under 30 years for special officers and under 39 years for chaplains and imams, the recruitment turnout did not meet the expectations and norms of other recruitment offices in the country.
KDF was also dismayed by the poor turnout after assuring Kenyans that the process would be free and fair.
Just like any other part of the country, the population of Migori County is 49 per cent youth, with several struggling to get absorbed into the job market.
Lieutenant Daniel Baraza, KDF recruiting officer, clarified that Migori County was well informed on the recruitment drive taking place in all its eight constituencies.
However, most of the youth were reported to have opted to dig gold in nearby mines as they sought to make ends meet. Reports allege that youths earn as low as Ksh300 per day in the gold mines.
Despite the low turnout, no false identification or bribery attempts were recorded. KDF was only promoted to redirect recruiters who showed up at the wrong stations.
The next KDF recruitment drive in the county will be held at Kegonga in Kuria East as the military seeks to attain its target before the deadline, September 24.
Aden Duale, Defence Cabinet Secretary, had earlier warned Kenyans against fraudsters and imposters seeking incentives ahead of the process. The Ministry rolled out short message services (SMS) and other communications campaigns to deter bribe-seeking officials and increase public awareness.
"It is ironic that the KDF, one of the most disciplined militaries in the world, has in the past had recruitment exercises marred with indiscipline and unlawful dealings such as bribery and favouritism," Duale stated in early August.
"As we prepare to kick off the enrollment of new entrants into the KDF from next week, we have sent reminders via SMS and other communication platforms to all Kenyans as a cautionary measure against falling for fraudsters and charlatans masquerading as recruiting officers," the CS added.
Reports allege that KDF will not publicize the names of successful candidates, unlike in previous years.
Lieutenants handling the drive have also been encouraging unsuccessful candidates to try their luck in other security agencies, such as the Kenya police.
