President William Ruto has announced that the National Youth Service (NYS) recruitment program will be expanded, targeting 100,000 recruits by 2028.
Speaking at Gilgil while presiding over the NYS Recruits Passing-Out Parade on Thursday, August 28, Ruto noted that increasing annual recruitment from the current 20,000 to 100,000 over the next four years, the program aims to provide opportunities for significantly more young Kenyans.
"To ensure more young Kenyans benefit, we are expanding recruitment into the NYS from the current 20,000 to 100,000 by the year 2028, the largest expansion in its history," the President announced.
The head of state also outlined comprehensive reforms aimed at transforming the service into a modern training institution aligned with current job market demands.
"We are undertaking far-reaching reforms to transform the National Youth Service (NYS) into a dynamic and productive institution; one that is truly fit for purpose, and capable of equipping our young people with market-relevant skills and qualifications that prepare them for the opportunities of the modern job market," President Ruto stated.
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The graduation ceremony, initially scheduled for Wednesday but postponed by a day for final preparations, saw over 18,000 recruits complete their six-month intensive training program after joining the academy in February.
President Ruto emphasized that the expanded program would create multiple pathways for graduates, giving them a chance to join higher learning paths.
"Through structured training with industry partners, NYS graduates will be able to advance into higher learning, join our disciplined services to defend peace and security, or venture into enterprise."
The President was received at the venue by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Gilgil Member of Parliament Martha Wangari, and Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku.
The ceremony featured precision drills, parades, and demonstrations, showcasing the recruits' readiness after months of rigorous preparation.
Last week, Service Commandant General James Tembur had overseen a dress rehearsal where recruits demonstrated their preparedness for the graduation event.
This year's parade represents another significant milestone in NYS's ongoing transformation into a regional center of excellence for training and youth empowerment.
The institution has evolved beyond its traditional paramilitary training roots to encompass technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills development.
