The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has confirmed the tragic deaths of three recruits who collapsed during a routine training exercise at the Defence Forces Recruits Training School (DFRTS) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, KDF said the recruits developed medical complications while undertaking a scheduled training activity on January 29.
They were immediately attended to by on-site medical personnel before being rushed to Eldoret Regional Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead despite receiving intensive medical care.
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“The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is deeply saddened to announce the tragic loss of three recruits during a scheduled training activity at the Defence Forces Recruits Training School (DFRTS) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County on January 29,” the statement read.
KDF further noted that the families of the deceased recruits have been formally notified and are being supported by the military during this difficult period of mourning.
In accordance with military procedures, the Defence Forces confirmed that investigations have been launched to establish the exact circumstances that led to the deaths. The findings, KDF said, will guide any necessary measures aimed at strengthening the safety and welfare of its personnel.
“The Kenya Defence Forces remains committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, professionalism and care for all its personnel,” the statement added.
A Pattern of Past Incidents
The latest incident adds to a series of previous cases in which recruits have lost their lives during physically demanding military training and recruitment exercises.
Although there is no comprehensive public record documenting the total number of recruit deaths, several fatal incidents have been reported over the years.
In October 2025, two university students collapsed and died during a recruitment exercise in Bungoma County. In November 2023, four recruits reportedly died at the Eldoret training school due to internal bleeding.
Earlier cases include a fatal incident at a KDF recruitment exercise in Malindi in February 2021. In October 2023, a Garissa University student collapsed while undertaking physical exercises during recruitment and was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.
Causes of Death in Intense Military Training
Deaths during intense military training are often linked to extreme physical exertion, environmental conditions, undetected medical conditions, and training-related accidents.
Heat-related illnesses remain a leading cause of fatalities, particularly during endurance exercises in warm or humid conditions. Medical experts warn that recruits can suffer fatal elevations in body temperature even in moderate weather conditions, sometimes as low as 21 degrees Celsius, when physical limits are exceeded.
Exercise-associated sickle cell crises have also been identified as a risk among individuals with sickle cell trait. Under extreme exertion, red blood cells can become misshapen, leading to rapid rhabdomyolysis, metabolic collapse, and sudden death.
Undiagnosed cardiovascular conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and myocarditis may also trigger sudden cardiac arrest during intense physical activity.
Other contributing factors include severe infections, abdominal injuries, dehydration, and accidents involving live-fire drills or heavy equipment.
Psychological stress from intense pressure, isolation, and alleged hazing practices has additionally been linked to suicide among recruits in some military settings.
Experts note that inadequate supervision, insufficient hydration, extreme environments, and undetected pre-existing health conditions significantly increase the risks faced by recruits.
As investigations into the Eldoret incident continue, renewed calls are expected for enhanced medical screening, closer supervision, and improved safety protocols during military training exercises.