How can I succeed in the KDF recruitment?

Well, I think there are some five things you can do, to increase your chances of success in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment.

First of all, you need to ensure that you maintain high levels of physical fitness, while preparing for the recruitment. Remember, you will be expected to run for a number of kilometers and in many cases, only the fellas who do well in the race are allowed to progress to the next level in the KDF recruitment. You should also try to reduce alcohol intake and smoking, eat right and be drinking lots of water consistently as you will have to pass a rigorous medical exam before joining the Kenya Army, Kenya Airforce or Kenya Navy as a serviceman.

Secondly, you need to ensure that you present yourself at the right recruitment center. This I think should be in your home constituency/division [the one on your ID]. This is because the recruitment is usually done on quota basis and if you present yourself at a place different from what is on your ID, you may be disqualified on that ground alone.

Third, you need to ensure that you get to the KDF recruitment center on time. I have heard of cases of people who missed out on Kenya Defence Force recruitment simply on account of getting to the KDF recruitment centers late. Sometimes, if you are coming far from your KDF recruitment center, it is better to book a room and sleep in the recruitment center’s town on the night before, instead of trying to travel in the morning and ending up late.

Fourth you need to ensure that you eat well and sleep well on the night before the recruitment.

Fifth you need to ensure that your academic certificates are in good order before presenting yourself for the Kenya Defence Forces recruitment. You need to understand that your certificates will be subjected to close scrutiny and if, for instance, the names in your KCSE and KCPE certificates don’t match those in your Kenya National ID, it could lead to you missing your opportunity in the KDF even if you are otherwise qualified. Thus if there are anomalies, it would be a good idea to get them sorted well in advance before presenting yourself for KDF recruitment.

It is also a good idea to talk to people who have successfully managed to go through the KDF recruitment, for them to tell how they really did it. So if you can manage it, networking with serving or recently retired soldiers would be an excellent idea, as they may give you tips (or alert you to certain realities) that you wouldn’t otherwise have gotten anywhere else.