Multiple cases of fake documents were today detected during the recruitment of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
Several candidates seeking to be enlisted as servicemen, constabularies, and tradesmen were found to be in possession of fake identification documents and academic certificates.
“We have discovered quite a number of cases since morning but they were detected early enough. One person had two identity cards bearing similar name and number but the serial numbers are different,” Chief recruitment officer Brigadier Joakim Mwamburi told the media.
Many candidates were also eliminated for not being physically fit and not having having been born in Nairobi.
“Although Nairobi is a largely cosmopolitan area, we must give Nairobi residents the right to be enlisted since it their home district. Some who turned up are from different districts of birth,” Mwamburi added.
Today’s recruitment in Nairobi was to be conducted at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani but was later changed to Nyayo Stadium.
Besides Nairobi, the recruitment was also conducted in Murang’a, Isiolo, Kitui, Machakos, Baringo, Nakuru, Kisii, Homa Bay, Vihiga, Bungoma, Kakamega and Mombasa.
“Generally, the process have been smooth and above board. After every recruitment exercise, we are talking to area residents to seek their reflection of the exercise and have confirmed it is very transparent.” Mwamburi observed.
The Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Joseph Kasaon launched the enlisting process mid last month and is expected to be completed in June 14 this month.
A total of 3,000 are targeted to to join the Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, Kenya Airforce and the Defence Constable.
Tradesmen category include those with technical or artisan qualifications while constables will include ex-service members aged between 30 to 55 years who possess a discharge certificate of minimum ‘very good’ conduct amongst other qualifications. The candidates are expected to have original National Identity card and academic certificates/testimonials. Photocopies or scanned ID cards and police abstracts will not be accepted.
Artisans should have a minimum of mean grade D plus in KCSE and either a relevant certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II from a recognised institution. On the other hand, for technician category, one must have a minimum of mean grade C (plain) in KCSE, a relevant diploma while a Catechist must have a minimum of C (minus) in KCSE, a diploma in Catechetical studies from a recognised catechetical institute and should not be beyond 35 years of age.