NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya National Youth Service (NYS) has made public conditions for male and female volunteers wishing to serve ahead of the planned nationwide recruitment.
NYS will conduct a nationwide recruitment drive for male and female NYS volunteers from Monday, February 10, 2025, to Saturday, February 15, 2025.
What persons wishing to be enlisted in NYS must meet
- Be a Kenyan citizen and a resident of the respective sub-county of recruitment.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 24. Have a mean grade of D Plain and above in KCSE.
- Produce originals and photocopies of their national ID and academic certificates.
- Must have a certificate of good conduct and be ready to undergo a medical check-up during and after recruitment.
- Be prepared to undergo rigorous physical training and be prepared to give voluntary service to the nation in any part of Kenya.
The recruitment exercise commence at 8 am in all recruitment centres.
Successful candidates will report for the NYS paramilitary course at the respective NYS college on the dates and times in their calling letters.
In August 2024, President William Ruto announced plans for NYS recruits to undergo basic firearms training.
Speaking at the NYS pass-out parade in Gilgil, President Ruto highlighted that this initiative is aimed at ensuring that NYS officers are equipped to respond to emergencies and protect the country when the need arises.
President Ruto directed the Cabinet Secretaries for Interior, Defence, and Public Service to initiate discussions to bring this plan to life.
Why NYS recruits will undergo basic firearms training
He emphasised that the paramilitary training currently provided to NYS recruits will be expanded to include a foundational course in firearms use.
“The minister responsible for NYS, who is here with me, should, in consultation with the Ministry of Defence and Interior, further initiate to make sure that the paramilitary training that these young men and women go through will include a basic course in firearms,” Ruto stated.
During his address, President Ruto also underscored the importance of prioritising the integration of NYS graduates into various security agencies.
He commended the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for their recent efforts, revealing that 56% of the 790 recruits in the latest intake were former NYS members.
This, he said, is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to providing career opportunities for NYS graduates in security and conservation roles.
