Search for greener pastures has, over the years, been one of the main reasons Kenyans leave their country to settle in different parts of the globe.
While the UK and Germany are the major destinations for Kenyan migrants in Europe, others have settled in France, serving in various roles.
The military is one of the areas Kenyans in France can serve under the French Foreign Legion. Formed in 1831, the French Foreign Legion recruits foreigners to fight outside mainland France.
Today, it consists of more than 9,600 legionnaires representing over 150 nationalities, including Africans, Asians, Europeans, and Americans.
Reportedly, the recruits get paid, fed, clothed, and medically cared for throughout their service with an initial contract of about five years.
Sources have it that legionnaires in the European country’s army enjoy a starting salary of Sh185,188 per month (€1380) alongside bonuses for field training and missions abroad.
Additionally, Legionnaires serve under an assumed name and remain anonymous unless they choose to serve under their real names after a year in the service.
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Citizenship, race, religion, and military background do not matter. Applicants also don’t need to know the French language.
French Foreign Legion: Requirements and Recruitment Process
Recruitment is open year-round, 24/7, and only targets men aged 17.5 to 39.5 year.
Online applications are not allowed and interested applicants are required to travel to Mainland France and physically present themselves at one of the Foreign Legion’s recruitment centers.
The selection process takes an average of three weeks, starting when a valid passport or national ID is handed to a serving legionnaire at a recruitment center.
Recruits undergo psychotechnical assessments, including IQ and personality tests, physical fitness tests like the beep test, swimming, and pull-ups, and a thorough medical examination.
Applicants must also meet strict dental and eyesight requirements, must not be wanted by Interpol, and must be able to read and write in their native language.
An applicant, however, can be disqualified for medical conditions, poor hearing, and poor eyesight. The maximum number of missing teeth allowed is 4 to 6, depending on the condition of the other teeth.
Salary and benefits
Upon joining, all recruits must sign a mandatory five-year contract. Successful candidates start at a basic monthly salary of Sh226,000 (€1,600), which increases with rank, mission type, and length of service.
The recruits are also entitled to free accommodation, meals, and clothing throughout their years of service.
After completing three years of service, legionnaires can apply for French citizenship, automatically granted if one is seriously injured in service. Those who complete 17.5 years become eligible for a retirement pension.
