"Send me Sh70,000 for a KDF slot": How scammers are targeting young people seeking to join the KDF

As the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment exercise kicks off this October, fraudsters are once again taking advantage of unsuspecting job seekers desperate to join the military.

For many young Kenyans, wearing the KDF uniform and serving their country is a lifelong ambition. However, for con artists, it has become an easy opportunity to exploit that dream.

On Thursday, I received a text message from an unknown number: 0785 446 381. The sender wrote:

"Hi Lucy, I have three vacancies for KDF recruitment. Send me Eric’s academic certificates and find me two other young men or women who are interested,” read the text.

The message was signed off by someone identifying himself as Major Edwin (0736 026 658).

The problem? My name is not Lucy, and the only Eric I know is still in Grade 7.

Out of curiosity, I called 'Major Edwin'. Before I could ask where to send the documents, he interrupted.

"First pay a deposit of Sh70,000 and then we can start the process," he said sharply, before hanging up.

Further attempts to contact the number went unanswered.

I realised that somewhere, a real 'Lucy' might have received the same message and, out of hope or desperation, sent her documents and money. She would then be Sh70,000 poorer with no job in sight.

When I shared my experience with friends, several confirmed that they had received similar texts.

"Now that we have KDF recruitment, watu wanataka kuoshwa na muosho mmoja,” said Brian Odhiambo, a Nakuru resident.

Another Facebook user, Jane Mureithi, posted a screenshot of an identical message and warned her followers:

'Tell the Lucys in your life to be careful.'

According to a notice published on the official KDF website, the ongoing recruitment covers General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen and women, and Defence Forces Constables.

KDF reiterated that the recruitment process is open to all qualified Kenyans free of charge, and warned the public against bribery and fake recruitment claims.

"Engaging in bribery or any other form of corruption with the intent to influence the recruitment process is a criminal offence. Any individual found to be involved in malpractice related to recruitment will be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement read.

As the October recruitment continues, the authorities are urging the youth to remain vigilant, to verify all communications via official channels and to report any suspicious activity to the police.