Student Collapses During KDF Recruitment Drill

A 22-year-old student from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), identified as Eugine Wamalwa, tragically died on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, during a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment exercise in Kabuchai constituency, Bungoma County. Wamalwa reportedly collapsed while participating in a running drill, a standard component of the KDF's initial physical screening.

Bungoma Central Sub-County Police Commander, David Saina, confirmed the incident, stating that Wamalwa was among numerous hopeful recruits undergoing a running exercise when he lost consciousness. He was rushed to Chwele Sub-County Hospital, a Level 4 primary care hospital in Kabuchai, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The exact cause of death remains unconfirmed, pending a post-mortem and full medical examination.

KDF Recruitment: A Rigorous Process

KDF recruitment exercises are known for their stringent physical demands, designed to assess the strength, endurance, and resilience of potential recruits. These drills typically include long-distance running, push-ups, sit-ups, and other endurance tests conducted under close supervision.

Eliud Yegon, an officer overseeing the recruitment, emphasised that such drills are crucial for identifying candidates physically capable of serving in the disciplined forces. He also highlighted that the use of illicit medication by some youth can hinder their ability to keep up with the drills, leading to disqualification.

The KDF recruitment drive for October 2025 targets various cadres, including General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (regular and graduate), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen and Women, and Defence Forces Constables. The recruitment process involves physical fitness assessments, medical screenings, and structured interviews.

Past Incidents and Safety Concerns

This is not an isolated incident. Similar fatalities have been reported during KDF recruitment exercises in the past. In September 2023, a 25-year-old man, Francis Wachira, died after collapsing during a KDF recruitment drive in Kirinyaga County. Another incident in February 2021 saw a 24-year-old man, Maxwell Saro, die hours after a recruitment exercise in Malindi, Kilifi County, after reportedly turning violent and restless.

These occurrences raise ongoing concerns about the safety protocols and medical preparedness during the rigorous KDF recruitment exercises. The KDF has stated that candidates must be medically fit according to KDF standards.

Measures to Enhance Transparency and Integrity

The Kenya Defence Forces has implemented a digital Recruitment Management System for the 2025 drive to enhance transparency and fairness. Brigadier General Samuel Kimani, the Nationwide KDF 2025 Chief Recruiting Officer, stated that this system captures biometrics and personal data, and instantly generates KDF calling letters, aiming to curb fraud and the sale of fake letters.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, during the launch of the 2025 recruitment drive on October 13, 2025, emphasised the government's commitment to eliminating corruption and ensuring a merit-based process. She reiterated that the recruitment is free, and any attempts at bribery or canvassing will lead to arrest and prosecution.

What to Watch

The ongoing KDF recruitment exercise for General Duty Recruits and Defence Forces Constables is scheduled to continue across gazetted centres countrywide until Saturday, October 25, 2025. Online applications for General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, and Tradesmen/Women closed on October 12, 2025, with shortlisted candidates expected to be published in national newspapers between October 21 and 24, 2025.

The outcome of the post-mortem for Eugine Wamalwa will be crucial in understanding the specific circumstances of his death and may inform future adjustments to KDF recruitment protocols.