Drug tests fail Lamu youths in KDF recruitment
KDF Senior Medical Officer Lieutenant Colonel Edward Wasike said several applicants failed to make it to the final stages after medical screenings revealed widespread drug use among the applicants.
Several youths in Lamu who were hopeful to join the Kenya Defence Forces during the recently concluded recruitment exercise were disqualified after failing the mandatory medical tests revealed traces of drug use.
More than 500 young people turned up at the recruitment centres held at Kibaki Grounds in Lamu, Tiger grounds in Mpeketoni and Faza grounds on Faza Island but only 19 applicants were eventually selected.
While the turnout reflected the growing enthusiasm of young Kenyans eager to serve their country, the use of substance continues to undermine the potential of young people.
KDF employs a stringent recruitment procedure where the candidates have to undergo document verification, fitness tests, medical examination and structured interviews to determine their suitability.
The KDF senior Medical Officer Lieutenant Colonel Edward Wasike said several applicants failed to make it to the final stages after medical screenings revealed widespread drug use among the applicants. He called on the youth to avoid using the illegal substances as they are detrimental to their future.“Drug abuse continued to undermine the potential of otherwise capable candidates. It is a concern we encounter every year, especially in coastal regions,” he said.
The officer called on parents, teachers, and community leaders to step up awareness campaigns, and mentorship programmes to help guide the youth toward healthier and more productive paths.
The revelation underscored the problems of drug abuse among many young people in Lamu where drug addiction remains a persistent challenge.Drug and substance abuse remains a growing concern in the Coast region, with government reports indicating that increase in narcotic substances such as heroin, bhang, and prescription drugs among young people.
During a similar exercise in Garissa County, hundreds of youths were disqualified due to drug and substance abuse.
In the recruitment exercise which ended last week, KDF seeks to fill positions across various military departments, including General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen/women, and Defense Forces Constables. Imams and chaplains were among the candidates sought by the national defence forces.