A recruit at Eldoret Recruits Training was found to have been discriminated, against by the Kenya Defence Force due to his condition.
The HIV Tribunal observed that the recruit was fired after being forced, to take a test and having his medical information disclosed.
He expressed his happiness and reaffirmed that, despite the setback, he is still determined to join the KDF because it is his dream.
A recruit from the Kenya Defence Force (KDF) who was subjected to prejudice because of his HIV condition, at the Recruits Training School in Eldoret has been awarded a substantial settlement.
The recruit was fired in 2021 after being made to take an illegal HIV test and having his test results improperly revealed. He filed a complaint with the HIV and AIDS Tribunal as a result of this.
The panel found in his favor, recognizing that the recruit and others in comparable circumstances had been subjected to discrimination.
“Today is a happy day for the silent majority of HIV positive people who have faced discrimination at work in addition to myself. They will finally be able to enlist in the military without facing prejudice,” he said to Nation.
Why did KDF lose their case before the HIV Tribunal? The KDF was found guilty of breaking the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act, 2007, which forbids the requirement of HIV testing as a condition of employment or continued employment, as well as of failing to give the required pre- and post-counseling.
The Tribunal has consequently mandated that the KDF reimburse the recruit KSh 1 million for the prejudice he experienced. “I want to express my gratitude to the Kenya Legal Ethical Issues Network on HIV and AIDS and its allies for taking up my case and giving me free legal representation and counseling.
The trip hasn’t gone well. I gave up a few times, but God and my attorneys gave me hope,” he remarked. The recruit is optimistic and eager to re-join the KDF, in spite of this setback because he still believes he can fulfill his dream of becoming an officer.
By Tuko