Did you know that the Kenyan army (Kenya Defence Forces) does not recruit short people? Yes, it doesn’t!
Height matters and it matters big time, according to the Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi.
While appearing on a local TV in Kenya, Mwangi disclosed that height is an important element during their recruitment process.
For men aspiring to be soldiers, they need to measure up to a minimum of five feet and three inches, while women are required to stand tall at a minimum of five feet.
“Short people are great people but then there is a criteria that is set and is not only to the KDF, it is everywhere,” Mwangi said.
“The personal weapons that we have are over four feet. You can imagine going to fight and the weapon is taller than you so that’s a big challenge,” he added.
Mwangi said that there is a possibility that those who have not attained the required height will fail to meet the required weight which is 50kgs and above hence are likely to shrink through training.
He explained that during training, the recruits are required to lift loads as heavy as 18kgs to 25kgs at the beginning of the training process.
“As you advance towards the end of the training you will be required to carry even heavier loads that can be from 25kgs up to 45kgs, you cannot be able to carry your own weight it is not possible,” he said.