Ruto: NYS recruitment to grow from the current 20,000 to 100,000

President William Ruto has announced that the annual recruitment of youth into the National Youth Service (NYS) will be expanded from the current 20,000 to 100,000 by the year 2028, as part of his administration’s strategy to equip young people with critical skills for national development.

Speaking during the NYS pass-out parade in Gilgil on Thursday, the President said the expanded intake will prioritize training in key sectors such as agriculture, engineering, construction, health, and technology, with the aim of transforming the service into a centre of excellence for technical and vocational training.

“The NYS is one of the most important platforms for empowering our youth. By scaling up recruitment, we are giving more young Kenyans the opportunity to acquire skills that will not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute directly to the growth of our economy,” Ruto stated.

The Head of State underscored the role of NYS in addressing unemployment and building a skilled workforce to support flagship government programs, including the Affordable Housing Programme, food security initiatives, and infrastructure development.

Ruto also challenged NYS graduates to uphold discipline, integrity, and patriotism, saying these values are as critical as the technical skills gained during training.

The NYS, established in 1964, has over the years provided young Kenyans with paramilitary and vocational training, with graduates often absorbed into various public service sectors or supported to start their own businesses.

With the planned scale-up, the government projects that by 2028, over 100,000 youth annually will leave the NYS with hands-on skills that align with Kenya’s development priorities.