NYS to recruit 100,000 youth as State commits Sh6.4bn for expansion
NYS to recruit 100,000 youth as State commits Sh6.4bn for expansion
The National Youth Service (NYS) is set to increase its annual recruitment to 100,000 young people by 2028, with the government allocating Sh6.4 billion to expand training infrastructure and accommodate the anticipated rise in numbers.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said the investment will support the expansion and re-engineering of NYS facilities as the service prepares to train up to 50,000 recruits at any given time.
The funds will be used to put up and improve classrooms, accommodation blocks, kitchens, workshops and administrative facilities at NYS centres across the country.
Ruku revealed this on Friday during the passing-out parade of 15,361 NYS recruits at the Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where he represented President William Ruto.
He directed the NYS Council to work closely with county governments and local communities to ensure the planned infrastructure projects are implemented in a coordinated and sustainable manner.
The latest cohort comprised 11,527 male recruits, 3,835 female recruits and 15 recruits with disabilities, all of whom completed six months of paramilitary training.
Ruku said the expansion of NYS was being undertaken alongside efforts to equip young people with technical and vocational skills that can improve their prospects for employment and entrepreneurship.
“The National Youth Service has become a pivotal institution in trade and technical skills development for young people from across the country,” Ruku said.
Pro-government supporters storm Standard Media Group headquarters
Muthama breaks silence after meeting Kalonzo Musyoka
Henry Wooster approved as US ambassador to Kenya
University lecturers begin nationwide strike over pay after talks collapse
Exam cheating tops university disciplinary cases – CUE
He said the service had also emerged as a pathway for addressing youth unemployment by linking graduates to opportunities both locally and abroad.
Over the past year, NYS has helped more than 12,760 graduates secure jobs in Kenya and overseas, with about 5,720 now working in countries including the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Israel and Saudi Arabia.
The employment drive is being implemented alongside government programmes such as Kazi Majuu and the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project.
Ruku said NYS was also expanding its production capacity, with the service having procured 50 large tipper trucks and 50 excavators.
The machinery is expected to strengthen NYS operations in construction and other productive activities as the service seeks to increase its contribution to national development.
NYS Commandant General James Tembur, on his part, hailed the recruits for their discipline, commitment and dedication throughout the six-month training, urging them to uphold the values they acquired as they begin the next phase of their service.
Beyond employment and skills development, NYS has also been involved in environmental conservation.
ORPP approves the reservation of the Linda Mwananchi name
UoN responds to report of the University closure as lecturers’ strike begins
Uhuru Kenyatta reached out to Judge Chitembwe to influence my impeachment case; Sonko
Sifuna fires back at Ruto over Dangote agreement
