Three Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruits have died during training at the Defence Forces Recruit Training School (DFRTS) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
In a statement issued on Friday, KDF said the three recruits died on January 29, 2026, after developing medical complications.
The statement said medical assistance was administered by on-site personnel before the affected recruits were evacuated to Eldoret Regional Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
“Regrettably, they were pronounced dead despite concerted efforts by the attending medical teams,” KDF said.
KDF added that the families of the deceased have been notified and that the force is providing the necessary support and assistance to the affected families.
“KDF conveys its deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, fellow recruits, and colleagues of the deceased during this difficult time,” the statement added.
In line with established military procedures, a detailed probe has been initiated to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The findings are expected to inform any necessary measures to enhance the safety and welfare of personnel undergoing training.
The Kenya Defence Forces said it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and care for all its personnel.
Rigorous, and endurance-based training in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) can and has resulted in the death of recruits and soldiers.
These incidents are not isolated, with reports emerging periodically during intense physical training exercises or recruitment drives.
Recruits often collapse during endurance exercises due to factors like extreme physical exertion, fatal elevations in body temperature, and underlying, undetected health conditions (e.g., cardiac issues or sickle cell trait).
In October 2025, two university students died after collapsing during a recruitment exercise in Bungoma County, and in another incident, a soldier died during a vehicle rollover training exercise.
In February of the same year, another fatality was recorded in Malindi.
