Hope dawns as Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) considers orphan in recruitment

Col Victor Mburu, who was in charge of the recent Kenya Defence Forces recruitment in Nyamira County, congratulates Benson Nyamboga at Nyamira Primary School after he was selected to join the military. (PHOTO: STANLEY ONGWAE/ STANDARD)

The burden of providing for his family and siblings is what motivated Benson Nyamboga to look for a job in the military.

Mr Nyamboga, from Nyamaiya village, said life had been tough for them since their parents died in 1996 and 1998.

The second of five children had to take over the responsibility of feeding and educating his siblings after their older sister got married.

The burden, he said, became even heavier when he too got married as he was faced with the Herculean task of providing for his family as well as his siblings.

“It has been tough because I did not have a regular job. I have been doing odd jobs to make ends meet. It has been a major challenge but there is hope for us now,” said Nyamboga.

He said he prayed that God would give him a chance to join the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) during the recent recruitment so he could provide for his family.

Fit candidates

“Luckily, I emerged at the top when we were told to run six laps around an athletics course at Nyamira Primary School. This gave me hope,” he said.

Running was one of the ways KDF officials used to get the most fit candidates.

His dream of joining KDF began after he finished secondary school and was faced with the task of fending for his siblings.

Nyamboga joined the National Youth Service where he trained as a mechanic. However, a year since he left NYS, he has not been lucky in finding a job and has had to make do with odd jobs.

“Feeding and educating my family and siblings was tough. But luck has smiled on me now and my dream of joining KDF is coming to pass,” he said.

Col Victor Mburu, who was in charge of recruitment in the county, said Nyamboga was just one of the many needy cases they considered even though they had to fulfill all the requirements.