NYS moves Friday recruitment to Saturday after holiday

The National Youth Service (NYS) has rescheduled its nationwide recruitment exercise initially planned for Friday to Saturday following the declaration of a public holiday.

In a notice issued to the public, NYS Commandant General James Kipsiele Tembur said the change was necessitated by a gazette notice from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who declared Friday a public holiday in observance of the Holy Month.

“All prospective candidates are advised to take note of the change and present themselves at their respective recruitment centers on the revised dates,” Tembur said.

He added that the service appreciates the understanding and cooperation of applicants, urging them to remain committed to serving the nation.

The recruitment exercise, which began on Monday, March 16, is part of a nationwide drive by NYS to enlist volunteer servicemen and women across the country.

The exercise was initially scheduled to run through Saturday, March 21, with activities taking place daily from 8 am at designated centers in all sub-counties.

According to an earlier public notice issued on March 3, the recruitment targets young Kenyans aged between 18 and 24 years who meet specific academic and legal requirements.

Applicants are required to be Kenyan citizens and residents of the sub-counties where they seek to be recruited.

They must have attained a minimum mean grade of D (plain) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and possess a valid certificate of good conduct.

Candidates are also expected to present original identification documents, including a national identity card and academic certificates, alongside one set of photocopies at the recruitment centres.

In addition, NYS stated that all applicants must be willing to undergo a thorough medical examination during and after the recruitment process.

They must also be prepared to undertake Basic Paramilitary Training and commit to offering voluntary service in any part of the country where they may be deployed.

Successful candidates will be required to report to training institutions, including the NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil or the NYS Technical Training Institute in Naivasha, as indicated in their respective calling letters.

The NYS reiterated its strict stance against corruption during the recruitment process, warning applicants against attempting to influence the exercise through bribery or other forms of inducement.

“Canvassing or offering monetary or other inducements for admission is an offence that may result in automatic disqualification and/or prosecution,” the service cautioned.

The rescheduling means that Saturday is expected to accommodate candidates who were initially set to appear on Friday.

The NYS recruitment attracts thousands of applicants seeking training, skills development, and opportunities to contribute to national development.