The government has announced plans to incorporate basic firearms training into the future training of National Youth Service (NYS) officers.
President Wiliam Ruto said on Monday that the move would ensure that the NYS officers were well-prepared to safeguard the country when needed.
When he presided over the 88th NYS Recruits Pass-Out Parade in Gilgil, Ruto directed Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi to work with his Defence and Interior counterparts to implement the initiative successfully.
“The minister responsible for National Youth Service (Public Service CS Justin Muturi) who is here with me should in consultation with the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Interior further the initiative to ensure that the paramilitary training will include a basic course in firearms, to make sure they stand ready to protect the country when the need arises.”
Ruto said the government will increase the number of recruits by 5,000 and secure positions for them in the disciplined forces to ensure more youth benefit from training.
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The President said the Kenya Kwanza government will consistently enhance its support for the National Youth Service, recognizing its role in youth empowerment and national development.
“I am very happy the number of recruits was almost 15,000. As I instructed, our intention is that by next year we will recruit 20,000 at a go.”
“We are making arrangements as government to make sure more young people benefit from this training and attendant vocational training that comes with it.”
Further, Ruto said he had approved the recruitment of 200 additional cadet officers to the NYS and 500 private officers to support the NYS.
