The government will increase the number of National Youth Service (NYS) recruits to 20,000 in the next intake.

The move is intended to enhance the programme’s reach and inclusivity, President William Ruto explained when he announced the policy yesterday.

Presiding over the 88th graduation ceremony at the NYS college in Gilgil, Nakuru County, the President also directed that recruits be taken through a basic course in firearms handling to prepare them to protect Kenya when the need arises.

He also directed security agencies to give NYS graduates priority when recruiting, saying “they have demonstrated discipline, capability and enviable paramilitary training”.

As proof of this, he pointed out that of the 790 officers recently recruited by the Kenya Wildlife Service, 440 were NYS graduates.

Public service

Some 14,602 recruits graduated yesterday. They will provide one year of public service before joining technical training colleges at government expense.

Meanwhile, the President approved the recruitment of 200 additional cadet officers and 500 private officers to support NYS operations.

He directed the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development to build hostels for 3,000 recruits and more houses for staff.

The government will also bolster the NYS business model to promote its operational sustainability.

“It has been encouraging to see the strategic partnerships and economic diversification initiatives that the National Youth Service has been able to forge,” President Ruto said.

He cited the collaboration between NYS and the University of Nairobi’s Enterprises and Services Ltd, saying it had spurred growth in several areas.

“Similarly, agricultural projects, such as the expansion at Athi River, have not only increased our agricultural productivity but also positioned NYS as a key player in the edible oil market,” he said.

The President also commended NYS for its contribution to environmental conservation through the Greening Kenya Initiative, which has added significant momentum towards its goal of planting one billion trees by 2032.

Mtaani initiative

He announced that NYS graduates will be supervising a cohort of young people to be recruited under the Climate Workers Mtaani Initiative, whose aim is to green urban centres and fight climate change.

He instructed Cabinet Secretaries Justin Muturi (Public Service, Performance and Delivery Management), Soipan Tuya (Defence), Adan Duale (Environment, Climate Change and Forestry) and Alice Wahome (Lands and Public Works) to provide leadership in the project.

The President also emphasised the government’s commitment to finding jobs for NYS graduates locally and abroad.

He said initiatives were underway to improve the terms of service in the organisation and embrace digital transformation so as to enhance transparency and efficiency in its operations.

Legacy of corruption

The President said the legacy of corruption, wastage and inefficiency that has long haunted NYS must be banished for good.

“As the nation’s foremost steward of public resources, I am determined to transform NYS into a symbol of exemplary integrity, efficiency and commitment to national transformation,” he said.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Cabinet Secretaries, and Principal Secretaries also attended the event.