Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale revealed on Wednesday, October 1, that some families in his county were asked to pay as much as Ksh400,000 just to secure a position for their children.
While addressing the Senate, Khalwale narrated how an elderly man approached him for help. The man reportedly owned a bull worth Ksh250,000, but he was asked to add another Ksh150,000 to reach the alleged asking price for a military slot.
“There is an old man in Kakamega who came to me saying he had been told to part with Ksh400,000 for his child to join KDF. He wanted me to top up the balance since his bull could only cover part of the fee,” Khalwale told fellow lawmakers.
The Senator questioned whether KDF recruitment was being done on merit or being openly sold to the highest bidder.
Lawmakers also expressed anger after Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya failed to appear before the Senate for the third time to respond to the allegations.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna led the criticism, accusing CS Tuya of snubbing Parliament and avoiding accountability. Senators have now resolved to summon her once again in Busia County.
In its defense, the KDF has insisted that the recruitment exercise is free, transparent, and merit-based, warning Kenyans not to pay anyone for a chance to join the military.
Positions currently being advertised include:
General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets – both regular and graduate
Specialist Officers
General Duty Recruits
Tradesmen and Women
Defence Forces Constables
The minimum requirement for GSO cadets is a KCSE mean grade of B (Plain), with at least C+ in English, Mathematics, and a science subject. Graduate cadets must hold a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields, while specialist officers are required to have professional qualifications and work experience.
Despite these qualifications being publicly outlined, the bribery allegations have cast doubt on the fairness of the exercise, with Senators now demanding a full explanation from the Defence Ministry. Click here.
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