NAIROBI, Kenya – Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor Jalang’o has announced plans to introduce a Bill seeking to make National Youth Service (NYS) training compulsory for all Form Four leavers in Kenya.
Speaking during an interview on AM TV on Tuesday, July 28, Jalang’o said the proposed legislation would create a system where young Kenyans transition from secondary school into structured national service training.
The MP said the programme would expose students to paramilitary training, vocational skills, leadership development, patriotism and discipline to better prepare them for adulthood and employment opportunities.
“I have a Bill coming up that seeks to make NYS training mandatory after Form Four,” Jalang’o said.
According to Jalang’o, mandatory youth service programmes already exist in several countries, including Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
He noted that Kenya previously had a similar system where Form Four graduates joined NYS for paramilitary training and life skills before the programme was discontinued.
“Several countries, including Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, have mandatory NYS training. Kenya also had a similar system in the past, where after Form Four, one would go to NYS and undergo paramilitary training and learn discipline,” he said.
NYS Training to Focus on Skills and National Service
The proposed Bill would introduce NYS training as a compulsory stage for young people after completing secondary education, although it would only take effect if approved by Parliament.
Jalang’o argued that the programme would help address challenges facing young people by providing practical skills beyond classroom education.
The training would include leadership development, vocational education, civic responsibility and participation in national development projects.
The MP said the initiative would equip young Kenyans with skills needed in the job market while promoting discipline, unity and a sense of responsibility.
How Current NYS Recruitment Works
Currently, NYS recruitment remains voluntary and is open to eligible Kenyan citizens aged between 18 and 24 years.
Applicants must have a valid national identity card, a minimum KCSE qualification of Grade D (Plain) or above, and pass physical and medical assessments.
They are also required to provide a valid Certificate of Good Conduct before joining the programme.
Successful recruits undergo a six-month physical and mental conditioning programme that includes paramilitary drills, physical fitness training and character development.
After the initial training, recruits proceed to nation-building assignments where they participate in government development projects across the country.
The final stage involves technical and vocational training, where trainees can enrol in accredited NYS technical institutes to pursue certificate and diploma courses.
If enacted, Jalang’o’s proposed legislation would significantly change the current NYS system by making national service training a mandatory requirement for Kenyan youth after secondary school.
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