Nairobi legislators have raised strong objections to the Kenya Defence Forces’ latest recruitment arrangement, which groups multiple constituencies under single hiring centres.
The MPs, representing all 17 constituencies, including Senator Edwin Sifuna and Woman Representative Esther Passaris, described the plan as unfair and discriminatory, calling for its immediate reconsideration.
The city leaders argue that each constituency should have its own recruitment venue, following the model used across the rest of the country. They warned that merging constituencies into just a few centres will prevent many young applicants from accessing the process.
The KDF advertisement, published on September 14, assigns Nyayo Stadium to Embakasi Central, Embakasi East, Embakasi South, Embakasi West, Kamkunji, Makadara and Starehe constituencies.
Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, is designated for Kasarani, Ruaraka, Mathare and Roysambu, while Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Lang’ata, Kibra and Westlands are grouped at Jamhuri grounds.
Led by Senate Deputy Minority Whip Sifuna and National Assembly Deputy Minority Whip Mark Mwenje, the MPs called the plan impractical and inequitable.
“This consolidation of recruitment centres for over a dozen constituencies presents a logistical nightmare and is in stark contrast to other counties, where recruitment is designated for each subcounty, reflecting a more decentralised and equitable approach,” they stated.
The legislators said the system could shut out many eligible candidates and weaken public confidence in the fairness of KDF hiring. “We demand corrective measures be taken immediately.
The Ministry of Defence must review the recruitment itinerary for Nairobi county,” they said in a joint statement.
They also demanded that “separate dedicated recruitment centres be established for each of the 17 Nairobi constituencies to ensure a fair and manageable process that reflects the population size and needs of these areas.”
Highlighting Nairobi’s large youth population and high unemployment, the MPs emphasized the need for proportional representation in national recruitment exercises. “With a Metropolitan population of more than 5.7 million people in 2025, it is the most populous urban area in Kenya and accounts for about 9.5 per cent of the country’s population,” they noted.
The statement was endorsed by Timothy Wanyonyi (Westlands), Ronald Karauri (Kasarani), Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), TJ Kajwang (Ruaraka), John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), Julius Mawathe (Embakasi South) and Phelix Oduor (Lang’ata). Others signing included James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Peter Orero (Kibra), Mejjadonk Benjamin (Embakasi Central), Augustine Mwafrika (Roysambu) and Babu Owino (Embakasi East).
