GILGIL, Kenya – President William Ruto has announced that 4,000 National Youth Service (NYS) graduates will be absorbed into the National Police Service as part of the government’s nationwide recruitment exercise.
Speaking at the passing-out parade of 18,145 NYS recruits in Gilgil, Nakuru, on Thursday, Ruto directed the Interior Ministry to ensure the graduates are prioritised in the hiring of 10,000 new police officers next month.
“I have already given instructions to the Ministry of Interior that next month, when we hire 10,000 police officers, 4,000 must come from the National Youth Service,” said the President.
The Head of State added that other graduates will be considered for recruitment into various disciplined forces, while many more will be channelled into government-led programmes such as the Affordable Housing project.
The police recruitment drive, initially scheduled for early 2025, has faced repeated delays after the National Police Service Commission introduced an online system to curb malpractice. The platform, however, is yet to become fully functional.
Ruto urged the graduates to also explore emerging opportunities in agriculture, ICT, engineering, hospitality, and entrepreneurship, saying the Hustler Fund, Nyota, and other government initiatives would support them.
“The road ahead is full of promise and opportunities. Some of you will advance into higher training to become skilled professionals driving our industries forward, while many more will venture into private enterprise,” he said. “Wherever your path leads, each of you carries the responsibility and privilege of building Kenya’s future.”
He further pledged to expand NYS intake to 100,000 by 2028, positioning the service as a gateway for underprivileged youth to access education, training, and employment.
Already, 20 new hostels with capacity for 20,000 recruits are under construction at the Gilgil campus.
Of the latest graduates, 4,756 were women, while 12 were persons living with disabilities.
NYS Commandant General James Tembur said the cohort had completed rigorous training and was ready to move into the next phase of service.
The President also promised a modern kitchen facility at the Gilgil campus and directed the Ministry of Public Service and the National Treasury to enhance staffing and resources at NYS to match the growing intake.
