Nairobi Members of Parliament have called for an immediate review of the Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) recruitment schedule, arguing that the current arrangement violates constitutional provisions on fairness and equal opportunity.

In a communiqué, the legislators raised concerns over the limited number of recruitment centres allocated to the city despite its large population. They argue that the itinerary is skewed against Nairobi as KDF has designated only a few recruitment centres to cater for the densely populated county.

According to the schedule, Nyayo Stadium will serve applicants from Embakasi East, West, North, South, Kamukunji, Makadara and Starehe constituencies. Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani has been designated for Kasarani, Ruaraka, Mathare and Roysambu constituencies, while Jamhuri Grounds will cater for Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Lang’ata, Kibra and Westlands constituencies.

The MPs noted that this consolidation of recruitment centres poses a logistical nightmare, unlike in other counties where recruitment has been spread across sub-counties.

“The logistical parameters of this recruitment exercise, as currently structured, demonstrably fail to account for the unique demographic challenges and high population density of Nairobi,” read the letter submitted by Embakasi West MP and National Assembly Minority Whip Mark Mwenje and signed by 17 others.

“The allocation for recruitment for Nairobi should be commensurate with the percentage of the population of the country. This recruitment plan is a clear affront to the constitutional right to equal opportunity.”

They further argue that the concentration of vast numbers of applicants from a diverse and densely populated region at a handful of centres “will inevitably lead to logistical chaos and security risk.”

The legislators are now demanding that KDF immediately review the schedule to establish recruitment centres in all 17 constituencies in Nairobi to accommodate more applicants. They have also sought a formal response from the Ministry of Defense within seven days, warning that they will take further action if their demands are not met.

KDF announced its 2025 nationwide recruitment drive on September 15, calling on skilled professionals and aspiring officers to join its ranks. The exercise, set to take place in October 2025, will admit General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, Tradesmen and women, as well as experts in Education, Engineering, ICT, Mass Communication, Legal and Supply Chain Management.

Successful applicants, KDF said, will undergo rigorous selection and training processes “designed to instil discipline, patriotism and technical competence.”

KDF also emphasised that the process will be open, competitive and corruption-free.

“The Kenya Defence Forces recruitment drive is free and open to all eligible and qualified candidates. Engaging in bribery or any other form of corruption with the intent to influence the recruitment process is a criminal offense. Any individual found to be involved in recruitment-related malpractice will be arrested and prosecuted,” the ministry said.

Members of the public have been urged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or military camp, or through the hotline numbers 0726419706 and 0726419709.