The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) confirmed on Thursday the death of three recruits during a scheduled training session at the Defence Forces Recruits Training School (DFRTS) in Eldoret.
The recruits reportedly developed medical complications while taking part in a routine endurance exercise.
In a statement, KDF said immediate medical care was administered by on-site personnel before the recruits were evacuated to Eldoret Regional Hospital for advanced treatment. Despite the efforts of medical teams, all three were pronounced dead.
The next of kin have been notified, and the military is providing support to the families affected.
“KDF is deeply saddened by this tragic loss. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the families, fellow recruits, and colleagues of the deceased,” the statement read.
The military also announced that a thorough investigation has been launched in line with established procedures to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The findings will guide any necessary measures to strengthen the safety and welfare of personnel in training.
City lawyer Soyinka Lempaa has raised concerns over the circumstances of the deaths, questioning why such fatalities are occurring specifically at the Eldoret training facility and not in other barracks.
“Let us push for Kahariri and KDF to tell us why KDF recruits are dying in Eldoret. It is not enough to say that they died during endurance exercise,” Lempaa said.
He called for transparency, including details such as whether the recruits died simultaneously and why the exercise was not halted after the first death.
Lempaa also suggested that the military owes the public complete information regarding the fatalities.
“Wanyooke watupe mstakabali wote kuhusu vifo hivyo… ni lazima, mkenya anapokufa tunapata taarifa kamili,” he said, emphasizing the need for accountability.
This incident marks the latest in a series of concerns about the safety of recruits undergoing military training.
The KDF has reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and care, while investigations continue to determine the cause of the deaths and prevent similar occurrences in the future.