MPs Propose New Plan to Create Security Jobs for NYS Graduates

Members of the National Assembly have thrown their weight behind a proposal seeking to expand employment opportunities for National Youth Service (NYS) graduates by placing them in government institutions and private security companies.

The Motion, sponsored by Kilifi County MP Gertrude Mbeyu, calls for a formal policy to guide the recruitment and deployment of NYS-trained youths as security officers in public institutions.

Approximately 18,000 youths graduate from the service annually, even as government agencies continue to contract private security firms to complement protection provided by uniformed officers.

Mbeyu argued that the skills acquired through NYS training could help address youth unemployment while strengthening security services across government institutions. 

The graduates receive training in discipline, security awareness, public service ethics and emergency response, making them potential candidates for security-related jobs.

Under the proposed framework, the National Government would establish guidelines to facilitate youth employment in accordance with Article 55 of the Constitution. 

The plan also seeks to give NYS graduates priority when ministries, departments and agencies recruit personnel to provide supplementary security services.

Additionally, the Motion proposes clear rules governing the division of responsibilities between NYS graduates and private security firms. 

These would cover recruitment, deployment, remuneration, training and career advancement.

Supporting the proposal, Kitutu Chache MP Japheth Nyakundi called on the government to ensure that young people benefit from employment opportunities after completing their training, citing the resources invested in preparing them for the job market.

"We have invested a lot of money as a country to train these youth, only for them to remain jobless after graduating from the NYS," he said.

Ol Kalou MP Sammy Douglas Waweru also backed the Motion, pointing to the extensive training offered by the NYS and the need to establish minimum standards for personnel working in the security industry.

"Considering the extensive training that the NYS provides, we must develop clear policies requiring security guards, who play a critical role in society, to be properly trained," he stated.

Mbeere North MP Leonard Wa Muthende echoed the concerns, questioning whether the training provided to some security guards was sufficient for the responsibilities they undertake. 

He contrasted the short training periods he cited with the more rigorous courses completed by NYS graduates.

"I support this Motion because it is not proper to have security personnel who receive only two to four days of training guarding us when NYS graduates have undergone rigorous courses and are ready to serve as security officers," he said.

This comes days after NYS clarified that the viral video showing one of its officers assaulting a civilian is not recent. 

In a statement on Sunday, October 4, the Service said the incident occurred two years ago, noting that the matter was brought to the attention of the relevant authorities and was addressed in accordance with established administrative and legal procedures. 

"The National Youth Service (NYS) is aware of a video currently circulating on social media depicting an altercation involving an NYS officer and a civilian.

"The Service wishes to clarify that the incident is not recent. The matter occurred two years ago and was promptly brought to the attention of the relevant authorities and appropriately dealt with in accordance with established procedures," the statement read.

NYS urged members of the public not to be alarmed by the video circulating on social media as though it was taken recently. 

"Members of the public are therefore urged not to be alarmed or misled by the recirculation of this old video as though it were a recent incident. 

"The matter was addressed at the time, and the Service remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of discipline and professionalism among its personnel," the statement added.