A new group of young Kenyans has started their military journey after reporting officially to the Kenya Defence Forces Recruit Training School, DFRTS, for their basic training.
The new intake, also known as Cohort 01/25, consists of both general duty recruits and tradesmen and women from all parts of the country.
But their arrival heralds only the start of weeks of intensive drilling, discipline, and endurance tests to get them ready for life in uniform.
Presiding over the reporting ceremony, Brigadier Alphonce Ndar congratulated the recruits who had gone through the competitive selection and urged them to stand up to the challenges ahead.
“I wish you success as you start your training. Stay healthy, stay disciplined, and stay committed,” he told them.
Once settled, the recruits are put through document checking, medical screening, and biometric registration, along with orientation before the actual training commences.
In the months to follow, they will be introduced to the basics of soldiering-from fitness and field craft to teamwork and leadership.
This year’s intake follows the just-concluded national recruitment exercise that took place between October 13 and 25, with thousands of hopefuls attending centres across the country.
The exercise came shortly after the deadline for online applications for other KDF categories namely General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women.
As of October 24, over 3,000 names of shortlisted candidates had been published for interviews. Among those now reporting are 1,310 tradesmen and tradeswomen who attended interviews at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata on November 3.
These recruits will take up key technical roles within the KDF: from mechanics, welders, drivers, and electricians to ICT technicians, cooks, tailors, and musicians, forming the backbone that constitutes the core of military daily operations.
The 861 GSO Cadet (Regular) candidates will report to the Kenya Military Academy, Lanet, Nakuru on 1st December while 704 GSO Graduate Cadet aspirants are expected to attend interviews at the same venue on 24th November.
For the young men and women reporting this week, the first day in uniform marks more than just a new beginning it’s a pledge of service, discipline, and dedication to the flag.
