Ruto wants NYS recruits trained on use of firearms

President William Ruto has announced that all National Youth Service (NYS) recruits will undergo firearms training.

The President directed Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi to consult with Defence CS Soipan Tuya and Interior's Kithure Kindiki to ensure paramilitary training for NYS recruits includes basic courses in firearms.

Speaking in Gilgil, Nakuru, during Kenya NYS recruits Pass-Out Parade, Ruto said the training will ensure the recruits are ready to protect the nation when the need arises.

Ruto noted that at least 56 per cent of ex-NYS men and women have been absorbed in service disciplines, including the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Forest Service and Kenya Wildlife Service.

“We not only urge all security agencies to ensure NYS personnel are given priority during recruitment but for ministries to ensure they are trained on firearms before their absorption,” he said.

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The President said the intake of NYS recruits will be increased from 15,000 to 20,000 per intake, from next year.

“We are making arrangements to ensure more young people benefit,” he said.

Ruto said the government will expand NYS facilities to provide additional hostels to house 3,000 extra recruits and provide housing for staff.

He announced that NYS will be supervising a cohort of young people's climate work dubbed Mtaani Initiative for Green Economy in Kenya.

Ruto said corruption that had marred NYS for over a decade but the government was committed to stopping it.