Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has warned Kenyans against engaging in bribery and corruption during the ongoing Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment exercise, stressing that the process is free, fair, and strictly based on merit.
Speaking during the launch of the national recruitment drive on Monday, Tuya declared that “recruitment into the KDF is free of charge. We do not ask for bribes, we do not take bribes, and we do not give bribes. Anyone doing any of these things is a criminal and should be treated as such.”
She said that any officer or staff found engaging in malpractice would be dealt with decisively, while civilians attempting to buy their way into the forces would face prosecution without exception.
Tuya emphasised that the integrity of the process is “non-negotiable,” warning that any attempt to influence recruitment, whether by candidates, parents, or guardians, would lead to automatic disqualification and prosecution.
“We want to urge Kenyans of goodwill, including members of the Fourth Estate, to please help us by exposing anyone asking for money in the name of helping anybody to secure a slot into the Kenya Defence Forces,” she added.
The CS revealed that the Ministry is collaborating closely with the National Police Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to ensure a transparent and credible exercise.
Tuya also called on parents, community, and religious leaders to guide young people to present themselves honestly and uphold the values of discipline and integrity that the KDF stands for.
“Recruitment into the military is not only a national duty but also a community responsibility,” she said, urging Kenyans to play their rightful role in ensuring a fair and transparent process.