There’s a reason why the Kenya Defence Forces recruitment is only for a selected chosen few. The work out the men and women are subjected to during the recruit exercise are extremely strenuous. Unfortunately for one of the recruits in Malindi, Kilifi county, the exercise took a toll on him and he collapsed during a run.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Nzioka, the KDF officer who oversaw the recruitment the man collapsed at Alaskan grounds during the run. The recruit was given first aid but his condition got worse and they decided to take him to Tawfique Hospital where he died.
“Our doctors offered first aid and rushed him to Tawfique as his condition worsened,” said Lt.Col. Nzioka.
“Unfortunately, the young man passed away upon arriving at the hospital,” he added.
Speaking about this year’s recruitment exercise, Mr. Nzioka cited challenges in areas including physical fitness, weight and height. He further said that they recorded a number of 400 people who turned out for the exercise citing it as the largest ever. He however said that they had no slots for women in Malindi this year adding that those who reported to the venue were turned away.
“Residents who did not get a chance today should try again in future,” he said.
The KDF recruitment kicked off on November 19 and will run until December 19 as the military is in search for general recruits, tradesmen/women and constables.
Requirements for the tradesmen/women include a minimum mean grade of D (plain) in Kenya Certificate of Secondary School to qualify for the general recruits. Potential recruits are also required to provide academic certificates, testimonials and an original identity card.
The military is also keen on recruiting tradesmen and women with diploma qualifications in fields such as computer science, journalism, medical laboratory, library, architecture, welding and automotive engineering.
Other areas are: public health, dental technology, radiography, survey, cooperative management, community oral health, pharmacy and social work.
Do you think the requirements for the KDF recruitment are too much?