NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Youth Service has officially launched a nationwide recruitment exercise targeting young Kenyans across all sub-counties, with the programme set to run from March 16 to March 21.
In a notice issued on Monday, the agency confirmed that recruitment centres had been opened across the country and urged eligible youths to present themselves for the selection exercise.
“The National Youth Service nationwide recruitment exercise has officially kicked off today across all sub-counties, as earlier advertised. The exercise will run from 16th to 21st March 2026,” the statement read.
The service encouraged interested candidates to attend recruitment centres in their respective sub-counties, describing the programme as an opportunity for young people to gain practical skills while serving the nation.
“Eligible young Kenyans are encouraged to turn up in large numbers at their respective sub-county recruitment centres and take advantage of this opportunity to serve the nation while gaining valuable skills, discipline and training,” the agency added.
The National Youth Service is a state corporation mandated to train and empower young people through paramilitary instruction, national service programmes, and vocational training initiatives.
Through its programmes, recruits are equipped with technical and vocational skills in fields such as construction, agriculture, mechanical engineering, and community development.
Graduates of the programme are often deployed to support national development initiatives, including infrastructure projects, disaster response operations, and environmental conservation efforts.
The current recruitment drive follows an earlier announcement by the service seeking to fill more than 700 positions across different ranks and technical fields.
According to a notice issued earlier this month, the agency advertised 250 cadet officer positions and 500 private posts, offering opportunities for unemployed youths to gain training and potential employment.
Positions advertised under the private category include drivers, plant operators, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, band members, agricultural workers, secretaries, vehicle mechanics, welders, and general duty personnel.
Interested applicants were instructed to download and complete the Application for Employment Form available through the Public Service Commission of Kenya website before submitting their applications.
Applications can be sent via email or delivered by post to the Commandant General at the NYS headquarters in Nairobi.
The agency said all applications must be submitted by March 18, 2026, after which the recruitment and vetting process will continue across designated centres nationwide.
