President William Ruto announced that 4,000 graduates will be absorbed into the National Police Service in the planned nationwide exercise.
“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,” Ruto said.
He spoke during the passing-out parade of 18,145 NYS recruits in Gilgil, Nakuru, the largest cohort ever.
This, as he assured that other graduates will be prioritised for recruitment into various disciplined services, while others will benefit from opportunities in government-led initiatives such as the Affordable Housing programme.
The recruitment was initially set to be conducted early this year.
It has, however, faced delays various after the National Police Service Commission vowed introduced an online recruitment system.
The new platform, meant to enhance transparency and curb malpractice, is yet to gain full functionality, forcing the exercise to be pushed forward.
Beyond the security sector, the Head of State urged graduates to seize emerging opportunities in agriculture, ICT, engineering, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.
“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 powered by the Hustler Fund, Nyota and other initiatives,” he said.
“Wherever your path leads, each of you carries the responsibility and privilege of building Kenya’s future.”
Ruto expressed his intention to make NYS a gateway for underprivileged youth to access education, training, and employment.
To that end, he revealed that 20 new hostels are under construction at the Gilgil campus, with capacity to house 20,000 additional recruits from across the country.
According to the president, the recruitment into NYS is expected to reach 100, 000 by 2028.
He directed NYS leadership led by Commandant General James Tembur to ensure more women are enlisted into the service.
Out total number, 4,756 were women.
There were also 12 persons living with disability.
The graduates, according to Tembur have been thoroughly trained and have satisfied the requirements to move to the next phase of the national service programs.
The President further pledged to personally oversee the building of a modern kitchen facility and directed that amenities at the Gilgil campus be upgraded in line with the growing intake.
He also instructed the Ministry of Public Service and the National Treasury to boost staffing and resources for the NYS to strengthen its operations and broaden opportunities for young Kenyans.
