Gilgil, Kenya – August 26, 2024: President William Ruto has directed the Ministry of Housing, led by Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, to construct additional hostels to accommodate 3,000 more recruits at the National Youth Service (NYS). This move is in preparation for the planned intake of 20,000 additional recruits next year, underscoring the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for youth through NYS training.
Expanding NYS Capacity
Speaking at the passing out parade of the Kenya National Youth Service in Gilgil on Monday, President Ruto emphasized the importance of increasing the capacity of NYS to benefit more young people across the country. He revealed that the government is dedicated to ensuring that youth have access to vocational training and other skills development opportunities provided by the NYS.
“I have already instructed the Ministry of Housing to provide additional hostels to house 3,000 extra recruits at the National Youth Service,” President Ruto announced, adding that the Ministry has also been tasked with developing housing for NYS staff, similar to what is being done for other services.
Climate Works Mtaani Initiative
In a significant development, the President also unveiled the Climate Works Mtaani Initiative, a new government program that will involve NYS recruits in environmental conservation efforts. This initiative will see young people play a pivotal role in greening the country and combating climate change.
“We are making sure as a government that more young people benefit from this training and the attendant vocational training that comes with it," Ruto explained. “I also want to announce that National Youth Service will be supervising the cohort of young people we will be recruiting shortly under our Climate Works Mtaani Initiative, which will bring more young people into the space of greening Kenya.”
The NYS has been tasked with a long-term goal of planting one billion trees by 2032 as part of the broader state plan to combat climate change.
Additional Recruitment and Infrastructure
To support the growing needs of the NYS, President Ruto also announced the recruitment of 200 additional cadet officers and 500 private officers. These new recruits will assist in managing the expanded operations and the ambitious tree-planting initiative.
The construction of the new hostels, which will house an additional 3,000 recruits, is a critical step in preparing for the increased intake. These hostels will be equipped with requisite accommodation facilities to ensure the comfort and well-being of the recruits.
Encouragement to Graduates
At the ceremony, about 15,000 graduates from the NYS were celebrated for their achievements. President Ruto encouraged the graduates to uphold the values they learned during their training and to continue pursuing success in their future endeavors.
“The journey does not end here. Stay the course, uphold the values that brought you this far, and continue to pursue excellence in all that you do,” he urged the graduates.
