KDF Arrest Man That Sought To Bribe Way Into Service With Sh400,000

NAIROBI,Kenya, Nov, 16 – A 23 year-old man was arrested in Malava, Kakamega county after attempting to bribe his way into the Kenya Defence Forces.

According to recruitment officers, the accused is said to have written Sh400,00 on his palm, indicating to officers that he was willing to pay the huge amount in order to gain entry into the service.

He is currently being detained by police in Kakamega before being arraigned.

“KDF reiterates that any form of corruption is not allowed in the recruitment exercise and that the process is free and fair to all eligible Kenyans,”said the KDF in a stamens regarding the mater.

Two people were meanwhile arrested in Homa Bay county after they were found to be impersonating police officers.

KDF kicked off their national recruitment exercise on Monday which is set to run until November 26, 2021.

The process will be overseen by KDF chief recruitment officers, Ethics and Anti-Corruption officers, National Intelligence Service officers and local police within the specified jurisdictions.

The KDF recruitment teams will be at 347 centres nationwide.

KDF announced it will be recruiting General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (Regular), General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (Graduate degree holders), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen/women and Defence Forces Constables.

“14,November, 2021, was the last day for specialists and tradesmen to submit their applications the online portal. 60,000 applications have so far come in. he shortlisted candidates will be notified between November 21 and 24.2021,” said Vice Chief of the Defence Forces Lt Gen Francis Ogolla.

This is the second recruitment to take place this year. The cohort that was recruited in February 2021 graduated on November 5, 2021.

The initially recruitment was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cognisant of the gender balance,  Lt Gen Francis Ogolla said that they are seeking to recruit about 20 per cent of women from the total estimated target.

“We are aware of the gender of policy. We have been progressive since 2019 we recruited 11 per cent, increased to 15 per cent in 2020 and the one which took place in January this year we had 17 per cent of women recruited. We intend to increase it to 18 to 20 per cent,” he said.

Kenyans were meanwhile warned not to be duped into bribing their way into the service.

“It is unfortunate that many Kenyans have in the past fallen prey of unscrupulous people who have solicited for money. No calling letter will be issued outside the recruitment centre. Should any one offer a bribe they have themselves to blame,”

Also 21 military officials are facing court marshal sessions for being involved in malpractices linked to past recruitment.

Several recruits were meanwhile turned away after they tested positive for consumption of hard drugs.

The KDF revealed that it was unfortunate since most of them were intelligent and had qualified to be adopted into the service.