Tens of youths in Naivasha are set to book their slots in the military after the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) ceased to consider teeth discolouration criteria, which has in the past locked out many from joining the military.

For years, youths from Naivasha were turned away by recruitment officers due to their discoloured teeth caused by high concentrations of fluoride in major water sources in the area.

However, according to Lt. Colonel Pius Leshan, the officer in charge of the recruitment, all the youths who met all the physical, mental, age, and academic requirements will be considered to join the service.

Leshan said no recruit was turned away because of their teeth’s discolouration, but a section of them were disqualified due to missing teeth or decayed cavities, among other criteria such as mismatch in identity names, lack of original certificates, age, height, and physical anomalies.

The Lt. Colonel said the service had tightened its noose on corruption loopholes such as bribery, noting that all those who turned up for consideration into cadet and service member units would be subject to scrutiny and verification to ensure fairness.

“KDF conducts a thorough security and identity check on all the recruits to tame infiltration into the service by indoctrinated officers with ill intentions for the country,” said Leshan.