Moses Githinji's Transformative Role in Helping Kenyans Join US Navy

Moses Githinji Ngotho from Kirinyaga County never imagined that he would one day help Kenyans with recruitment in the US Navy.

On Wednesday, Githinji recalled his migration journey to the US in 2011. His first job in America involved washing dishes at a restaurant, but he persevered and eventually obtained a green card that enabled his family to relocate to the US. In Kenya, Githinji was employed as an engineer with a company in Juja; however, he failed to satisfy the requisite US engineering qualifications and was compelled to switch careers.

During his stint at a nearby warehouse, where his duty was to package goods, he encountered a Ghanaian individual who proposed the idea of him joining the Navy. Although the thought of a military profession had never crossed his mind, Githinji found himself captivated by the suggestion. His primary drive stemmed from the desire to secure a reliable source of income for his family while his wife pursued her studies in nursing.

Intrigued by this fresh opportunity, Githinji set out to find a recruiter who could assist him in navigating the required procedures. After completing the obligatory training and assessments, Githinji officially enlisted in the Navy in 2013. It didn't take long for him to notice that the dental standards in the American military were less stringent compared to those in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

When Githinji joined the Navy, one of his family's biggest concerns was the possibility of him being deployed to war and losing his life. However, Githinji reassured them that he would have a successful career without any harm. He served in the Navy until 2018 and then transitioned to a recruiting role, where he assists individuals who are interested in joining the service. Throughout the years, Githinji has successfully recruited numerous young men to the navy.

According to Githinji, cultivating patience and discipline is instrumental for prospering in the Navy. Interested individuals of at least 17 years of age are eligible to join and reap the associated rewards. Githinji augmented his expertise during his tenure in the military by taking up Cyber Security coursework whose expenses were completely covered by the Navy. As a recruiter, he invites aspiring Kenyan soldiers to apply and assures them of his assistance in navigating the registration procedure.

His position as a recruiter comes with numerous benefits, some of which also extend to his family. Like many other Kenyans, he is part of a large group serving in foreign military forces, spanning from the United States to the United Kingdom.