CDF Kahariri warns KDF personnel against fraudulent recruitment

Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, has warned all military personnel against fraudulent recruitment practices.

Kahariri cautioned that any soldier found aiding or engaging in schemes that defraud members of the public under the pretense of offering recruitment opportunities will face immediate dismissal without benefits.

He was speaking during a tour of Moi Barracks in Eldoret to assess preparations for this year’s KDF Day celebrations.

“KDF recruitment is free, transparent, and strictly conducted in accordance with the law. Integrity and discipline remain the cornerstone of military service,” he declared.

The General’s warning comes amid the launch of a major recruitment exercise that commenced on Monday, targeting General Service Officer (GSO) cadets (both regular and graduate), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen and Women, and Defence Forces Constables.

The exercise is expected to run until October 25 across the designated centres countrywide.

In an effort to safeguard the integrity of the recruitment, Kahariri emphasised the importance of transparency and fairness.

“Transparency in this year’s recruitment will enhance public trust and confidence in the Kenya Defence Forces. A fair, credible, and merit-based process will ensure that only the most qualified and dependable young men and women join our ranks,” he said.

Kahariri urged the general public to remain vigilant and report any individuals soliciting bribes or falsely claiming to facilitate recruitment.

Such criminal elements, he noted, not only exploit the aspirations of Kenyan youth but also undermine the values and credibility of the Defence Forces.

“We appeal to all Kenyans to report any suspicious activities or individuals. The Kenya Defence Forces belongs to the people, and its doors must remain open to those who meet the requirements — not those who can afford to pay a bribe,” he said.

The CDF’s remarks echo similar sentiments from Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, who earlier confirmed that the Ministry of Defence has renewed its crackdown on individuals extorting money from unsuspecting recruits.

“We are taking this very seriously. Anyone found engaging in such acts will be apprehended immediately and legal action taken against them,” said Tuya.

To bolster the crackdown, the ministry has roped in the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Kenya Police Service to monitor the recruitment exercise for signs of fraud or malpractice.

The Defence CS assured Kenyans that the government is committed to ensuring that every eligible candidate has a fair opportunity to serve the nation without the burden of corruption or coercion.

Kahariri also took the opportunity to highlight the KDF’s ongoing efforts to build strong ties with the civilian population through Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) programs.

He noted that beyond defending the nation, the KDF continues to play a vital role in national development through initiatives in healthcare, water access, and education.