ELDORET, Kenya — As the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) gears up for this year’s KDF Day celebrations in Moi Barracks, the Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, has issued a stern warning to service members against involvement in fraudulent recruitment schemes.
During a tour assessing readiness for the celebrations, General Kahariri emphasised that any soldier who aids or participates in deceptive recruitment operations — those that solicit money in exchange for purported entry into the forces — will be dismissed immediately and without benefits.
“Recruitment into the KDF is free, transparent, and strictly conducted in accordance with the law,” Kahariri said, stressing that integrity and discipline are nonnegotiable in the armed forces.
He urged troops to steer clear of any schemes that mislead the public into believing they can influence the recruitment process illicitly, and encouraged Kenyans to remain vigilant and report suspicious recruitment activities to the appropriate authorities.
The warning comes amid a nationwide KDF recruitment drive, during which officers have also been reminded to ensure that the process remains merit-based and technology-driven to reduce malpractice.
Separately, the Ministry of Defence and KDF have previously cautioned the public against imposters or intermediaries claiming to offer recruitment slots for a fee — often via social media or hotlines.
With KDF Day celebrations typically drawing public interest, the timing of the warning underscores the importance the military places on preserving its image and public trust.
