Defence Cabinet Secretary (CS) Soipan Tuya has launched the 2025 nationwide Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment exercise, pledging a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and affirming the government’s resolve to ensure a fair and transparent process.

Speaking at Defence Headquarters in Nairobi, Tuya described the annual drive as a crucial national effort to replenish KDF ranks, expand emerging units, and strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.

She acknowledged that past recruitment exercises have occasionally attracted allegations of malpractice but noted that investigations had led to arrests and disciplinary action where wrongdoing was proven.

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Tuya’s Warning to Corrupt Officials

The CS clarified that most of the reported incidents involved fraudsters masquerading as KDF officers, urging Kenyans to be wary of such impostors.

“The recruitment exercise will strictly follow the Constitution, guaranteeing fairness, inclusivity, and representation from all 47 counties,” Tuya said.

The Defence Ministry, she added, is collaborating with the National Police Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and the National Intelligence Service to safeguard the integrity of the exercise.

“This process is not just about filling positions,” Hon. Tuya said. “It’s about finding disciplined, patriotic young Kenyans ready to serve their country with courage and commitment.”

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CS Tuya Message to the Youths

She appealed to the youth to seize the opportunity to serve, calling recruitment a vital step in securing Kenya’s stability and prosperity.

Tuya also urged parents, religious figures, and community leaders to encourage honesty and integrity throughout the process.

Reiterating that KDF recruitment is entirely free of charge, the CS warned that anyone attempting to influence the process through bribery would face disqualification and prosecution.

On his part, the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General John Omenda, warned that any enlistment activities conducted outside official timelines are unlawful and have no link to the Kenya Defence Forces.

“The recruitment officially begins today,” Lieutenant General Omenda said. “Anyone claiming to have been recruited before this date has been misled. Any exercise outside the set timeline is illegal and not sanctioned by the KDF.”

Also present were Defence Principal Secretary Dr. Patrick Mariru, Assistant Chief of Defence Forces Personnel and Logistics Major General Edward Rugendo, The Chief Recruiting Officer Brig Samuel Kimani and other senior military officers.

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Defense official during the official launch of KDF recruitment 2025. PHOTO/ FILE