The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) has warned that candidates with discolored teeth will be locked out of the ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise.
Presiding over the launch of the exercise, KDF Vice Chief of Defense Forces, Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi, highlighted the significance of the selection process to preserve the highest personnel standards inside the force.
Mwangi said that some traits, like stammering, tattoos, and teeth discoloration, could prevent someone from being recruited.
Further, he explained that those with tattoos visible on their bodies would be disqualified due to their moral character.
“Get this from me you are not going to join the armed forces if you are spotting a tattoo,” he said.
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Mwangi emphasized the importance of effective communication in the military and underlined that candidates should be able to do so, especially under time constraints.
He pointed out that someone who stutters might find it challenging to speak effectively, rendering them unfit for the military.
“People who stammer don’t do it by choice, but again, it’s competitive. This is a career; it’s not just any job. It requires very good communication,” Mwangi said.
He spoke after launching the recruitment exercise at the Force's headquarters in Nairobi.
The exercise seeking to fill the Defense Forces Constables, Recruits, and Officer Cadets slots will continue until September 8, 2023.
Additionally, Mwangi cautioned anyone looking to join the military against accepting bribes.
“Members of the public are advised from fraud since it violates KDF values more so the value of integrity. In this regard, anyone purporting to have influence to recruit a potential candidate outside the designated recruitment centers or mechanisms stated in this briefing must be avoided.”
Further, Mwangi stated that strict rules have been implemented to stop fraud in the recruitment process.
“Measures have been put in place encompassing use of intelligence operatives’ anti- corruption officers and the use of media. We request wananchi in exercise of their actual mandate to volunteer information of any suspicious activities by reporting to the recruiting teams on the ground or in the alternative call on our mobile phone numbers.”
He continued by saying the KDF has identified 374 recruitment centers spread over 47 counties and highlighted that recruiters will interview the applicants.
