A few months in uniform before stepping into adulthood. That is the vision Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, says could help shape a more disciplined and skilled generation of Kenyan youth.
The legislator has revealed that he is preparing a Bill seeking to make National Youth Service (NYS) training compulsory for all students after completing Form Four.
Speaking during an interview with Alex Mwakideu, Jalang’o said the proposed law would give young people an opportunity to acquire discipline, practical skills and a stronger sense of national service before joining university or entering the job market.
Jalang’o disclosed that the proposal is among the Bills he intends to present in Parliament.
"Kuna Bill yangu ingine inakuja inaitwa mandatory NYS training after Form Four," he said.
Jalangoo // Instagram
According to the MP, the idea is not entirely new, noting that Kenya previously encouraged youth to undergo National Youth Service training before pursuing other career paths.
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"Na kumbe ilikuwa hapa Kenya kuwa wakati kijana anamaliza shule aende kwa National Youth Service ajifundishe discipline na skill kidogo pale," he explained.
He argued that such training could help prepare young people for adulthood by instilling responsibility, teamwork and employable skills.
Looking at Other Countries
While explaining the proposal, Jalang’o pointed to other nations that have national service programmes for young people.
"Nchi nyingi tu, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria pia wako na National Youth Service," he said.
However, national service systems vary from country to country. Nigeria operates the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), a compulsory one-year programme for many university graduates aimed at promoting national unity and development.
In Kenya, the National Youth Service was established in 1964 and currently recruits volunteers rather than requiring compulsory participation.
The service provides paramilitary training, vocational education and opportunities for national development projects.
Proposal Likely to Spark Debate
Should the Bill be tabled, it is expected to generate debate over whether mandatory national service would better prepare school leavers for employment and civic responsibility or place additional demands on students and government resources.
Jalangoo // Instagram
For now, Jalang’o says his proposal is centred on allowing every Kenyan youth to gain practical life skills and discipline before taking the next step in education or employment.
