President William Ruto has announced plans to have National Youth Service Officer undergo basic firearm training.
Speaking at the NYS pass out parade class of 2024 in Gilgil, the head of state said this will ensure that the officers are able to protect the country when need arises.
He urged the Cabinet Secretaries responsible that is, CSs for Interior, Defence and Public Service to chart a way forward.
“The minister responsible for NYS who is here with me should in consultation with the Ministry of Defense and Interior further initiative to make sure that the paramilitary training that these young men and women go through will include a basic course in firearms,” Ruto said.
At the same time, Ruto noted that former NYS graduates have been absorbed to other security agencies like the Military, thus enhancing 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,” the first in command said.
“The National Youth Service (NYS) remains indispensable to our efforts to enhance public service delivery and national security,” her further said.
Ruto also ordered CS for Housing and Planning Alice Wahome to construct hostels that will house 3,000 more NYC recruits as the commission targets to recruit an additional 20,000 recruits in 2025.
“We are making sure as a government that more young people benefit from this training and the attendant vocational training that comes with it,” he explained.
