Vice Chief of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Lt Gen Jonah Mwangi on Wednesday, August 15 explained why the military does not recruit stammerers, short people and people with brown teeth.
Appearing on Citizen TV, Gen Mwangi explained that the minimum height for women recruits must is 5 feet while the male counterparts must be 5 feet and 3 inches and above.
“The reason is if you come in shorter than 5 feet, there is a possibility that you will not attain the required weight.
The weapons that we use are over 4 feet so you can imagine, you are standing on parade and the weapon is taller than you, that is a big challenge,’ he said.
Further, Gen Mwangi stated that, will be required to carry weights of different kilograms during the start of the training and towards graduation.
Gen Mwangi insisted it is a challenge for short people who are likely to weigh less.
“If you are less than 50kg, as you begin training you be required to carry weight between 18kg and 25kg, that will be half your or almost three quarters of your weight. Are you able to do that?
As you go towards the end of the training, you will be required to carry even heavier loads that can be between 25kg and 45kg, you cannot carry your own weight. That is the reason we do that,” said Gen Mwangi.
No Stammerers in KDF
Gen Mwangi stated that the defense jobs are very competitive and need individuals with good communication skills.
“This career is not a job like another, it requires very good communication if that were possible.
If the stammering cannot be managed, and I have to instruct you to do something, then I think you must be a good communicator with all due respect,” said Gen Mwangi.
Also Read: KDF Announces Recruitment of KCSE D, Certificate, Diploma and Degree Holders
Stained Teeth
On stained teeth, Gen Mwangi explained that they realized there are areas in Kenya where the water used has fluoride content.
Therefore, people from those regions have low to medium teeth discoloration.
“If you have severe discoloration, it’s an indication that you probably have a problem with the bone structure and you are prone to accidents.
If you get into a dental accident, that will force us to out in you in hospital instead of training. It’s a disadvantage to you,” he said.
Also Read: KDF Officer Slapped with Five Year Jail Term for Recruitment Fraud
Tattoos and Birthmarks
At the same time, Gen Mwangi admitted that tattoos have been an issue during the KDF recruitment exercise.
He emphasized that the recruitment policy bans people with tattoos from joining the forces.
“When the policy was promulgated, it was because of historical issues and what happened in that space.
As of now, you are not going to be recruited if you are wearing a tattoo,” said Gen Mwangi.
In addition, Gen Mwangi explained that birthmarks can be indicators of a weakness in the skin structure.
“I mentioned about the weight you are supposed to carry.
If you have certain birthmarks and they get into contact with the weight, that will again cause an injury that will put you off training,” he said.
However, Gen Mwangi said there is no room for perfection during the recruitment exercise.
“This is a very competitive process, you come with a condition and there is another person who doesn’t have that condition, then they stand a better chance,” he said.
Additionally, he mentioned there are many people who fit the qualifications and criteria set for the recruitment.
“But we are human, if it is something that you can be helped with that’s okay but mostly this is not possible depending on the severity,” stated Gen Mwangi.
KDF Recruitment
KDF countrywide recruitment of officers for various carders will commence from August.
KDF will recruit fGeneral Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (Regular and Graduate degree holders), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen/women, and Defence Forces Constables.
Applicants for Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women vacancies MUST apply online, visit: https://applications.mod.go.ke to submit your application before 20th August 2023.
KDF said shortlisted candidates will be notified through the print media between 17th to 24th September 2023.
On the other hand, the KDF Recruiting Teams consisting of the Kenya Army, the Kenya Air Force and the Kenya Navy will be visiting the Recruitment Centres countrywide from August 28 to September 8 to recruit General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, General Service Officer Cadets – Graduate degree holders, General Duty Recruits and Defence Forces Constabulary.
