Ruto directs NYS to increase recruits from 15,000 to 20,000

The National Youth Service (NYS) will now increase the number of recruits from 15,000 to 20,000 in their next intake.

This follows a directive by President William Ruto who presided over the NYS pass-out parade in Gilgil where he reiterated Kenya Kwanza's commitment to create employment for the youths.

"We are making arrangements as a government to make sure more young people benefit from this training and attendant vocational training that comes with it.  As I instructed, we intend that by next year we will recruit 20,000 at a go," Ruto stated.

At the same time, Ruto announced his approval of recruiting additional cadets and private officers to support NYS in doing their duties across the country.

"Today, I also approved the recruitment of 200 additional cadet officers to the NYS and 500 private officers to support the exemplary work at NYS. We want more young people to benefit from this training and attend vocational training that comes with it," he said.

According to Ruto, the recruits will supervise the climate action program in Kenya adding that they will play an integral role in achieving the 15 billion trees initiative.

Early last year, Ruto announced that the government was re-engineering the NYS to enhance its capacity and productivity adding that the service had adopted a fresh approach that will transform it into a financially sustainable and self-reliant institution.