Nairobi’s elected MPs have petitioned the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to review its 2025 recruitment criteria, citing inequitable treatment of the capital’s youth in past enlistment drives.

“We, the undersigned Members of Parliament representing the Senate, the 17 constituencies of Nairobi County and the Women Representative for Nairobi County, wish to address a matter of grave and urgent concern regarding the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment advertisement published on September 14, 2025,” read the petition.

According to a post by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on X dated September 18, 2025, all 19 elected Members of Parliament from the county have signed the petition.

The lawmakers argue that Nairobi has been “consistently shortchanged when it comes to recruitment into the forces, be it the police, NYS or the defence forces,” underscoring a growing demand for fairness in the distribution of opportunities within national security agencies.

“Nairobi has been consistently shortchanged when it comes to recruitment into the forces, be it the police, NYS or the defence forces. All the 19 elected Members of Parliament have signed a petition regarding the recently advertised recruitment by the @kdfinfo to review the selection criteria for Nairobi to address this.”

Petition cites skewed allocation

The petition, led by Hon. Mark Muriithi Mwene, MP for Embakasi West and Deputy Minority Whip, was formally addressed to Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya on September 16, 2025. Signed by all Nairobi MPs, including the Women Representative, it demands immediate rectification of the 2025 KDF recruitment advertisement published on September 14, 2025.

“This letter is a formal demand for immediate corrective action to ensure the recruitment exercise adheres to the principles of equity, fairness, and non-discrimination as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya.”

The document argues that the current recruitment itinerary is “manifestly skewed against the people of Nairobi County,” citing logistical challenges caused by consolidating multiple constituencies into a limited number of centres.

“The schedule for General Duty Recruits and Defence Forces Constables allocates a single recruitment centre, Nyayo Stadium, to serve constituencies like Embakasi Central, Embakasi East, Embakasi South, and Embakasi West, as well as Kamukunji, Makadara, and Starehe,” read the statement.

Demographic pressure

With a metropolitan population exceeding 5.7 million in 2025—about 9.5 per cent of Kenya’s total population—Nairobi faces unique demographic pressures.

The MPs state that directing large numbers of applicants to centres such as Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani and Jamhuri Grounds risks “logistical chaos, security risks, and an environment that undermines the principles of fairness and transparency.”

They reference Article 27 of the Constitution, which mandates equality before the law and prohibits discrimination, and Article 10, which upholds equity as a national value. “Equity refers to the quality of being fair and impartial… the distribution of resources and opportunities should reflect levels of need,” states the petition.

Call for action

The MPs propose two corrective measures: establishing dedicated recruitment sites for each of Nairobi’s 17 constituencies and implementing affirmative action to address urban disadvantages.

They have set a seven-day deadline for a formal response, warning that inaction will be deemed “a deliberate act of discrimination”.

“We expect a formal reply to this demand within seven (7) days of the date of this letter. Failure to take immediate and decisive action on this matter will be seen as a deliberate act of discrimination,” read the statement.

The petition coincides with KDF’s announcement of its 2025 recruitment exercise, scheduled for October 23–25, targeting roles including General Service Officer Cadets, Specialist Officers, and General Duty Recruits.

KDF earlier had, however, pledged to keep the process free of corruption, stating, “The recruitment drive is FREE and OPEN to all eligible and qualified candidates. Engaging in BRIBERY or any other form of CORRUPTION with the intent to influence the recruitment process is a CRIMINAL OFFENCE.” Applications close on October 12, 2025.