ELDORET, Uasin Gishu—Jan 30, 2026—Three recruits of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have died after developing medical complications during a scheduled training exercise at the Defence Forces Recruits Training School (DFRTS) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
In a statement issued by the KDF, the military said the incident occurred on January 29 during a routine endurance exercise.
According to KDF, the recruits fell ill during the activity and were given immediate medical attention by on-site personnel before being evacuated to Eldoret Regional Hospital for further treatment. They were later pronounced dead despite efforts by medical teams.
The identities of the deceased have not been released, but the military said their next of kin have been formally notified and that support is being provided to the affected families.
KDF said it has launched a full investigation in line with established military procedures to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The findings, the statement added, will inform any measures required to enhance the safety and welfare of personnel undergoing training.
The Defence Forces Recruits Training School in Eldoret is the primary training facility for new KDF recruits and regularly conducts physical endurance exercises as part of its programme.
The incident raises renewed attention on safety protocols during military training, particularly in high-intensity physical exercises
