The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, has issued a stern warning to Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers against engaging in corrupt practices during the upcoming national recruitment exercise set to begin on October 13.
Speaking on Thursday, October 9, at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi, General Kahariri cautioned officers to uphold integrity, transparency, and professionalism throughout the two-week recruitment process.
He stressed that Kenyans’ trust in the military depends on fair and merit-based selection, warning that any officer caught soliciting or accepting bribes would face “immediate and severe disciplinary action.”
“The reputation of the KDF has been built over decades of discipline and service to the nation. This exercise must reflect our core values of integrity, patriotism, and excellence,” said General Kahariri.
He noted that the KDF had incorporated technology into its recruitment systems to enhance applicant verification and curb malpractice. “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,” he added.
Commander of the Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Ketter, echoed Kahariri’s sentiments, urging recruiting officers to select successful candidates purely on merit, while Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics, Major General Edward Rugendo, revealed that digital data management systems will be used to record recruitment progress in real time.
The recruitment exercise will run across all counties from October 13 to 25, 2025. Applicants must be Kenyan citizens with valid national identity cards, KRA PIN certificates, and academic credentials. Cadet and general duty applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old, while constables must fall between 30 and 55 years.
, General Charles Kahariri, has issued a stern warning to Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers against engaging in corrupt practices during the upcoming national recruitment exercise set to begin on October 13.){kind=link}