Activist demands security recruitment audit, alleges nepotism in KDF intake
Activist demands security recruitment audit, alleges nepotism in KDF intake
Political activist and Borabu parliamentary aspirant Morara Kebaso has called for a comprehensive audit of recruitment into Kenya’s security services, alleging nepotism and regional imbalances in the allocation of opportunities.
Kebaso said the recent passing-out parade of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruits had raised questions about fairness and transparency in the recruitment process, citing what he described as disparities in the distribution of opportunities.
He has called on the government to publish recruitment data showing the counties and constituencies that supplied recruits, arguing that Kenyans have a right to know whether national security institutions reflect the country’s diversity.
“Security services belong to the people of Kenya, not to a few families, communities or regions. Every Kenyan who qualifies must have an equal chance to serve,” Kebaso said in a statement sent to Kahawa Tungu.
The activist said a forensic audit should examine the entire recruitment process, from the announcement of vacancies and applications to selection and final admission into the services.
“We cannot build a united country on a recruitment system that rewards connections instead of merit. If the process is clean, let the government open the books and prove it,” he said.
Kebaso further demanded the publication of recruitment figures by county and constituency, saying the data would help establish whether there are persistent patterns of exclusion or regional concentration.
The Borabu MP aspirant said transparency in security recruitment was particularly important because the services have a constitutional responsibility to protect all Kenyans.
“A young person from Borabu, Kisii or Turkana should not have to know a powerful person in Nairobi to get a fair shot at serving the nation,” he said.
Kebaso urged Parliament and relevant oversight institutions to investigate the recruitment process and recommend reforms if any gaps or irregularities are established.
He warned that perceived discrimination in access to public opportunities could deepen mistrust in government institutions and fuel feelings of marginalisation among young Kenyans.
The allegations come amid heightened public interest in recruitment into Kenya’s security agencies, with thousands of young people competing for limited opportunities in the military and other uniformed services.
Kebaso said publishing detailed recruitment data would allow the public to independently assess whether the process is competitive, transparent and representative of the country’s population.
He challenged the government to demonstrate that recruitment is based strictly on merit and established criteria rather than political, regional or personal connections.