Kenya to Expand National Youth Service Recruitment

By Samuel Ouma

The Kenyan government has announced a significant expansion of the National Youth Service (NYS) programme, with plans to increase the number of recruits to 20,000 in the upcoming intake.

This move aims to enhance the programme's reach and inclusivity, President William Ruto revealed during the 88th recruits passing-out parade at Gilgil, Nakuru County, on August 26.

In his address, President Ruto emphasized the importance of preparing NYS recruits for national defence, directing them to undergo basic firearms training to equip them for potential security roles.

The Kenyan President also instructed security agencies to prioritize NYS graduates in their recruitment processes, citing their discipline, capability, and robust paramilitary training.

"As evidence of their readiness, 440 of the 790 officers recently recruited by the Kenya Wildlife Service were NYS graduates," President Ruto noted.

During the ceremony, 14,602 recruits graduated and will embark on one year of public service. Upon completion, they will attend technical training colleges at the government's expense.

Further strengthening the NYS, President Ruto approved the recruitment of an additional 200 cadet officers and 500 private officers to support the service's operations.

He also tasked the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development with constructing hostels for 3,000 recruits and additional staff housing.

The Kenyan government is committed to ensuring the sustainability of the NYS through a reinforced business model, with President Ruto lauding the service’s strategic partnerships and economic initiatives.

He highlighted the collaboration between NYS and the University of Nairobi Enterprises and Services Ltd, which has spurred growth in various sectors, including agriculture.

The expansion of agricultural projects at Athi River has boosted productivity and positioned NYS as a significant player in the edible oil market.

President Ruto also commended NYS for its role in environmental conservation, particularly through the Greening Kenya Initiative, which aims to plant one billion trees by 2032.

NYS graduates will play a key role in supervising the Climate Workers Mtaani Initiative, a program focused on greening urban centres and combating climate change.

Ruto assigned Cabinet Secretaries Justin Muturi (Public Service and Performance Delivery Management), Soipan Tuya (Defence), Adan Duale (Environment, Climate Change and Forestry), and Alice Wahome (Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development) to lead the project.

He reiterated his administration's commitment to securing employment opportunities for NYS graduates domestically and internationally.

Additionally, efforts are underway to improve the terms of service within the NYS and to embrace digital transformation for enhanced transparency and efficiency in its operations.

"The legacy of corruption, wastage, and inefficiency that has plagued the NYS must be eradicated. I am determined to transform NYS into a symbol of exemplary integrity, efficiency, and commitment to national development," President Ruto asserted.