Over 500 youth turned out to try their luck during the recent Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) recruitment exercise at the Kabarnet ASK showgrounds in Baringo Central Sub County.
The Senior Recruiting Officer Lt Col Daniel Musau told KNA after the exercise on Wednesday at the ASK grounds that the event recorded the third highest turn out after Baringo North and Tiaty East and West during the recruitment exercise.
Musau said that the process would be free and fair since they would only pick the qualified candidates from the large number who turned up.
“I can confirm that the turnout was large and I can see the eagerness among the youth to serve the nation and we want to assure residents of Kabarnet that there will be no cases of corruption as the recruitment officers have been warned severely on corrupt practices which may lead to facing the consequences of the law,” Musau said.
Musau said the exercise at ASK grounds which was taking place after Tiaty East and West sub-counties and Baringo North had been smooth with both the public and recruits being satisfied with the outcome.
The Officer urged those who did not make it during this year’s recruitment to try their luck next time. He added that the recruitment was all inclusive with both minority and marginalized groups in Baringo county such as the IIchamus and Njemps communities and women being included in the spirit of gender mainstreaming were considered.
In addition, Musau revealed that the major challenge experienced at recruitment stations in Tiaty was low body weight of several recruits due to the pastoral lifestyle, noting that this resulted in many applicants being turned away and suggested that next time special consideration be given to the residents of the area.
“Residents should know that we are going to balance the recruitment, that is, we will pick one recruit from each division apart from those who passed the racing competition. The health of the person will also determine if they qualify hence residents should not be worried,” Musau assured.
One of the applicants Mr. Rodgers Rotich told KNA that the exercise was free and fair as the recruitment officers were fair. However, he regretted that he was forced to pull out of the recruitment exercise when he experienced a muscle pull during the strenuous physical exercise.
The exercise came to a close at 5pm in the evening with each of the three divisions of KDF being represented namely Kenya Air force, Kenya Navy and Kenya Army.
By Caroline Cherono
