NAIROBI, Kenya – Senate has launched an investigation into alleged irregularities in the 2023 Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment, following claims that deserving candidates were unfairly locked out of the process.
The National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations Committee, chaired by Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo, has been tasked with examining discrepancies reported during the exercise.
Lawmakers are particularly concerned about cases where shortlisted candidates with confirmation letters were later denied entry into the force.
Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku highlighted the case of Reuben Ngige Muthoni from Kajiado North, who was shortlisted, issued a confirmation letter, and had his biometric data recorded, only to be excluded from the final intake.
“Despite undergoing all necessary procedures, he has never received further communication, nor has his identification card been returned,” Lenku told the Senate.
Beyond individual cases, senators are questioning the overall fairness of the recruitment process.
Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale warned that the exercise could be skewed, pointing to a recent High Court ruling that found the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) had favored only two ethnic communities in employment.
“This is a sensitive matter because similar patterns appear in KDF recruitment. We must ensure the process is equitable,” Khalwale said.
Lawmakers cited reports that certain regions and ethnic groups were overrepresented in the 2023 recruitment, while some constituencies, such as Emuhaya, allegedly did not have a single successful candidate.
Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba claimed his constituency was entirely sidelined.
“Ask the national government officers here if they can trace any child from Emuhaya who got an opportunity to join the forces,” he said, alleging that candidates from other areas were given priority.
The Senate committee has been directed to obtain and scrutinize the final list of recruits who completed training at the Defence Academy.
Lawmakers want a detailed breakdown of names, identification numbers, and home counties to establish whether the process adhered to national diversity principles.
Additionally, the committee will assess whether standard recruitment procedures were followed, particularly in the handling of identification documents and issuance of recruitment letters.
Under mounting pressure, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya acknowledged the concerns and pledged reforms to prevent future malpractices.
“We have heard the complaints and murmurs, and we are panel-beating the process to minimize irregularities,” Tuya stated, assuring that upcoming recruitment exercises will be more transparent and inclusive.
The Senate committee is expected to table its findings and recommendations, potentially setting the stage for policy changes in KDF recruitment.
