By Grace Gilo
President Ruto has announced that the government will increase the number of the National Youth Service (NYS) recruits to 20,000 in the next intake to enhance the programme’s reach and inclusivity.
While presiding over the 88th recruits passing-out parade in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on Monday, the President also directed that NYS recruits undergo a fundamental firearms training course to prepare them to protect the country when the need arises.
He further instructed security agencies to give NYS graduates priority when recruiting, highlighting their demonstrated discipline, capability and enviable paramilitary training.
14,602 recruits graduated during the ceremony and will now serve one year of public service, after which, they be enrolled in technical training colleges at the government’s expense.
Additionally, the President sanctioned the recruitment of 200 more cadet officers and 500 private officers to enhance NYS operations.
He directed the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development to construct hostels for 3,000 recruits, along with additional staff housing.
Furthermore, the government will bolster the NYS business model to ensure 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 noted that the collaboration between NYS and the University of Nairobi Enterprises and Services Ltd has fostered growth in various sectors.
“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 remarked.
The President commended NYS for its contribution to environmental conservation through the Greening Kenya Initiative, which has significantly advanced its objective of planting one billion trees by 2032.
He announced that NYS graduates would 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 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 take the lead on this project.
The President also reiterated the government’s commitment to securing jobs for NYS graduates locally and abroad.
He also indicated that measures have been implemented to enhance the terms of service within the organization and adopt digital transformation to improve transparency and efficiency in NYS operations.
The President asserted that the legacy of corruption, waste, and inefficiency that has plagued NYS must be eradicated permanently.
“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.