a previous KDF recruitment

Unemployment crisis

Hundreds of jobless youths turned up for a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment exercise at Embakasi Garrison on Monday.

The recruits turned up to try their luck for the 350 KDF vacancies.

Videos circulation online shows massive crowds gathered outside Embakasi Garrison.

The KDF recruitment exercise, which was announced on Sunday, specifically targeted former National Youth Service (NYS) officers. While announcing the recruitment, KDF also released the shortlist of prospective Specialist Officer Cadets and Tradesmen and women.

KDF has shortlisted 1,606 candidates to join the force as either tradesmen and women or specialist officers.

They include 347 individuals geared to serve as specialist officers and 1,259 prospective tradesmen and women.

To check if you made the KDF jobs shortlist, visit www.mod.go.ke and check the downloads section to access the full list.

The shortlist was also published in the Daily Nation and Standard newspapers on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

“The shortlisted candidates are required to report for interviews at respective recruitment centers and on dates as indicated on the advert,” KDF said.

Unemployment in Kenya

Kenya’s unemployment rate has been a cause for concern over the years. Currently, the unemployment rate in the country is around 9.2%, according to the Kenya Bureau of Statistics, with youth feeling the hit. Youth unemployment stands at a staggering 20.3%.

Several factors, including skills mismatch, informal sector dominance and corruption and bureaucracy, contribute to Kenya’s unemployment woes.