Miraa chewers were shocked when they were left out of Lamu's KDF recruitment due to their stained teeth.
Hundreds of young men and women turned up but many were turned away for this reason, said Lieutenant Colonel Zacharia Burudi, the
senior recruiting officer in charge of Lamu West.
"This is caused by too much chewing of miraa or khat. The county and parents need to sensitise those dreaming of joining KDF on the importance of keeping their teeth healthy. This includes staying off substances such as miraa."
“You can't imagine how many good recruits we have had to let go due to discoloured
teeth. Let those with the dream of joining the army guard their teeth at all costs."
He spoke on Monday at Kibaki Grounds in Lamu town where the exercise byt he Kenya Defence Forces took place.
Lieutenant Colonel Zacharia Burudi, the senior recruiting officer in charge of Lamu West, speaks to hopefuls during KDF's recruitment in Lamu county, February 12, 2018. /PRAXIDES CHETI
About 30 of the 200 hopefuls who showed up were rejected for
weighing less than the required 54.5 kgs for men and 50 kgs for the women.
Burudi reported that the number of women who tried their luck was lower than that of men - 15 - and that majority dropped out at various stages for failing to meet standards.
"A huge number also failed to meet the required KCSE aggregate grade of a D plain. The turnout was generally low for both genders but the number of women was much lower."
A man is weighed at Kibaki Grounds in Lamu town during KDF's recruitment in Lamu county, February 12, 2018. /PRAXIDES CHETI
Burudi noted that cultural beliefs that pin down women were a major contributor to the low numbers.
“I am aware that the Swahili or Bajuni culture doesn’t allow women to take part in such exercises. But Lamu people should know KDF jobs are for everyone.
"I appeal to them to release their women and allow them to take part in recruitment."
Only eight women were left in the exercise by the time Burudi addressed the press. He feared a lower number by the end of the recruitment.
Unlike last year when the recruitment locked out women, this year’s exercise was open to both genders.