President William Ruto directed the National Youth Service (NYS) to introduce basic training of firearms to recruits in a bid to increase their usefulness in cases of security emergencies.
While presiding over the passing out parade of the National Youth Service class of 2024 on Monday in Gilgil, the President remarked that NYS has been instrumental in the enhancement of public service delivery and national security.
He directed the Cabinet Secretaries for Public Service and Defence to fast-track and incorporate a course that will allow NYS recruits to receive basic training in firearms.
“The Minister responsible for National Youth Service should in consultation with the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Interior further the initiative to make sure that the para-military training that these young men and women go through will include a basic course in firearms to make sure that they stand ready to protect the country when the need arises,” he directed.
The President observed that ex-NYS recruits have been absorbed into other security agencies like the military to help improve security operations in the country.
“The Government has upheld its commitment to recruiting significant numbers of service men and women into the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and other ensured job placements for National Youth Service graduates,” he noted.
“The National Youth Service (NYS) remains indispensable to our efforts to enhance public service delivery and national security.”
The President observed that in the recent Kenya Wildlife Service recruitment, out of the 790 recruited officers, 447 were ex-NYS recruits accounting for 56 per cent.
The recruitment cements the president’s directive that all security agents must give priority to National Youth Service men and women because of their demonstrated discipline, capability and para-military training.
He further explained that additional initiatives have been undertaken to improve the terms of service and to embrace digital transformation that enhances transparency and efficiency in NYS’ operations.
To ensure full value for taxpayers’ the government has committed to dealing with corruption, wastage and inefficiency which has haunted this organization for a decade.
The President congratulated the graduates asking them to uphold the values of diligence, commitment, integrity, teachability and a strong sense of service.
