A US-based Kenyan woman serving in the American military has caught the attention of many after posting a candid, step-by-step TikTok video explaining exactly how she navigated the enlistment process, and what other Kenyans interested in the same path should know before getting started.
Posted on October 23, 2026, the video by TikToker @yvionareign was filmed in what appears to be a military barracks, with colourful on-screen captions guiding viewers through each stage of the process in a lighthearted, conversational style that quickly resonated with her audience.
How to join the US military
In the video, she explains that her motivation for joining the military dates back to her days in Kenya, when she had already set her sights on the benefits of American military service, including access to nursing school and a pathway to citizenship.
“I wanted to join the military way back when I was in Kenya, right? Because I knew that I wanted the benefits. I want to go to nursing school. I wanted the citizenship,” she says.
She walks viewers through the first step: contacting a military recruiter. Depending on which branch appeals to you, whether it is the Air Force, Navy, Marines, or Army, she advises reaching out to the relevant liaison.
Crucially, she notes that applicants must hold either a green card or US citizenship to be eligible. She qualified through her permanent residency.
One of the more personal moments in the video comes when she admits she initially failed to meet the weight requirements.
Rather than give up, she committed to the gym for a full year.
“I went so hard because I really, really, really wanted this,” she says.
From there, she covered the ASVAB, a standardised aptitude test taken at a facility called MEPS.
Having been out of high school for a decade, she still found the Kenyan education system had prepared her well.
“The Kenyan education system is so good that I just breezed through it,” she laughs, though she adds she did study using online resources just to be safe.
She also flags the financial incentives involved, noting that certain military jobs come with a signing bonus.
Her own role carried a bonus of $20,000 (roughly KSh 2.6 million), paid out one year into the contract as a commitment check.
Her parting advice is practical: keep a clean record, avoid traffic offences, and stay on the right side of the law, as a criminal history can disqualify an applicant outright.
She also could not resist a playful dig at rival branches, insisting the Air Force stands above the rest.
