Kenyans conned Sh52 million in military recruitment since 2009

Nairobi, Kenya: The national military recruitment drive started Monday with revelations that Kenyans have since 2009 been conned of Sh52 million by people who lied they would help them have their kin recruited.

Department of Defence headquarters said the exercise will run for the next 30 days in all 272 district headquarters, targeting more than 2,500 general service personnel.

Vice Chief of the Defence Forces Lt Gen Joseph Kasaon said more than 15 teams have been formed, led by Brigadier John Warioba.

He revealed 54 military service personnel who were involved in taking bribes to facilitate the recruitment were sacked in the last six years.

“Let Kenyans know that this exercise is free of charge and fair to all. Successful candidates will be informed on the spot,” said Lt Gen Kasaon.

He made the remarks at DoD headquarters while briefing journalists on the recruitment programme.

Between 2009 and 2010, Sh24 million was paid in bribes involving 23 service personnel and 34 civilians while between 2010 and 2011, Sh8.5 million was paid with 8 soldiers and 38 civilians being involved.

Between 2012 and 2013, 12 soldiers and 10 civilians were involved in corrupt transaction of Sh7 million while between 2013 and 2014 four military personnel and 15 civilians were involved in Sh4.8 million fraud.

Kasaon said last year, seven military personnel and 11 civilians were involved in bribes amounting to Sh3.9 million.

The military boss said the civilians have their cases still in court and at different stages.

He warned Kenyans against giving out bribes to be recruited.

“We wish to warn the public not to accept to give out bribes so that they can be recruited. These conmen come with all sorts of names,” he said.

Victims are usually issued with fake letters.

 Officials from the National Intelligence Service, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, media and other organisations have been invited to also monitor the exercise.

He added they will also consider the gender rule of recruiting a third of female recruits in the exercise.

There have been concerns of failure to observe the constitutional rule in the service.

The constitution also requires the Defence forces to reflect the regional and ethnic diversity of the people of Kenya in Article 241(4).

Past recruitment exercises have often been marred by myriad flaws including claims of bribery, political interference, and unequal distribution of slots across districts and favouritism.