A few of you have been asking questions about the nature and terms of engagement of NYS

Servicemen
and
women.
I
would
like
to
clarify
the
following:
1. The youth are recruited into the NYS through a voluntary competitive process right at the
grassroots
representing
every
sub
county
of
Kenya.
2. The NYS program as is articulated in the 5 point plan is geared at moulding all rounded
individuals combining skills development, discipline, a sense of service to all, self reliance,
civic
competency,
patriotism
and
national
cohesion.
3. The young recruits go through 3 core stages in the program:
a) STAGE 1-Paramilitary Training -6 months, the first stage of transforming the youth from
recruits into servicemen and women by learning the basics of the NYS ethos, build resilience
and discipline.
b) STAGE 2-National Service and Youth Resocialisation. 6-12months. This includes civil
works, clean up exercises, building community assets, disaster response etc
In the communities they work during national service they disciple 10 community youth each
and undertake knowledge transfer of the core principles of NYS ethos and culture; and bond
across cultures.
STAGE 3- Technical and Vocational Training 2 - 3 yrs. In this stage the servicemen and
women undergo technical and vocational training in the various technical schools at no cost
to themselves.
e.g the School of Engineering; Schools of Fashion and Design; Oil and Gas; ICT;
Agribusiness; Hospitality; Enterprise & Technology; and Public Duty.
d) Youth Enterprise and Economy: this is not a distinct stage per se but is integrated into the
programme. The servicemen and women are organized into SACCOs where they save 30%
of their monthly allowance and receive critical skills in entrepreneurship. Some of the
servicemen and women will be absorbed into the service; some will be absorbed into other
levels in government; others will go abroad as export labour; others into our local private
sector as employees or entrepreneurs, equipped with skills and some start-up capital.
4. Through out this whole period the servicemen and women receive a monthly allowance,
personal effects, meals, accommodation and training at no cost to themselves.
I hope this clarifies the questions that have been raised. Happy Labour Day!
#truetoselftruetocountry