Advertisement

Ruku issues update after Ruto’s directive on doubling NYS intake

Ruku issues update after Ruto’s directive on doubling NYS intake
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku .PHOTO/@gk_ruku X

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku on Monday, June 23, 2025, toured the National Youth Service (NYS) Training College in Gilgil to assess the institution’s preparedness for a planned double intake of recruits in 2026.

The government aims to absorb 40,000 recruits into the NYS programme by January 2026, a key milestone in President William Ruto’s broader directive to scale up the annual intake to 100,000 youths by 2028.

Massive expansion underway

CS Ruku said the ambitious plan would require significant investment in infrastructure, including accommodation facilities, training resources, and instructors.

“The government of Kenya is preparing to recruit 40,000 NYS trainers or trainees or recruits in the year 2026,” he said during the inspection, underlining the scale of the anticipated expansion.

Geoffrey Ruku
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku .PHOTO/@gk_ruku X

“This comes with a lot of preparation, which needs to be done in terms of accommodation, training, and instructors,” he added.

Ruku met with NYS officials and training managers to evaluate progress and push for the speedy implementation of the presidential directive. He emphasised the urgency of completing the necessary groundwork before the January 2026 deadline.

“We wanted to have a brief meeting with managers at these institutions to ensure that come January, as per the instruction of the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto, we are fully ready,” the CS stated.

Reforms and accountability drive

Earlier in the day, Ruku made an unannounced stop at the Rift Valley Regional Headquarters, where he locked out late staff as part of efforts to instill discipline and promote accountability in public service.

The CS noted that the government is keen on instilling efficiency not only within the NYS but across the entire public sector.

The planned NYS reforms also include the establishment of NYS Commercial Enterprises, which are expected to drive sustainability by generating revenue through ventures in security, engineering, and other sectors.

The double intake is seen as a game-changer in Kenya’s youth empowerment efforts, offering thousands of young people an opportunity to gain skills, employment, and discipline through the national service model. Ruku’s visit underscores the government’s determination to revamp the NYS into a vibrant institution that actively contributes to national development.

Author

For these and more credible stories, join our revamped Telegram and WhatsApp channels.
Advertisement