NAIROBI, Kenya – Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri has ordered recruitment officers to uphold strict merit standards and stamp out corruption as the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment exercise enters its second phase next week.
The nationwide exercise, set to run from October 13 to 25, will take place across all counties. It follows an online registration phase that closes this Sunday.
Speaking during a briefing session at Defence Headquarters in Nairobi, General Kahariri reminded recruitment teams that the military’s credibility depends on fairness and transparency.
“The reputation of the KDF has been built over decades of discipline and service to the nation,” he said. “This exercise must reflect our core values of integrity, patriotism, and excellence. Technology is now at the heart of our recruitment process, and it is our duty to ensure it is used effectively to eliminate human interference and corruption.”
The CDF warned that officers found engaging in malpractice will face immediate and severe disciplinary action.
Digital System for Transparency
The second phase will see shortlisted applicants present themselves at sub-county centres for physical verification.
KDF says this stage will rely on digital data management systems designed to track recruitment progress in real time.
According to General Kahariri, the adoption of technology is intended to strengthen verification, prevent fraud, and ensure uniform standards across the country.
He was accompanied by Lieutenant General David Ketter, Commander of the Kenya Army, and Major General Edward Rugendo, Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics.
The Defence Forces have in recent years faced increasing public scrutiny over recruitment integrity, with concerns about bribery, regional disparities, and political interference.
KDF insists the ongoing digital transformation aims to restore confidence in the fairness of its enlistment process.
