NYS recruits set for basic training on use of firearm

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto has issued an order that is expected to bolster the country’s security, if fully implemented.

The Head of State wants National Youth Service (NYS) recruits to undergo basic training on use of firearms, alongside their normal paramilitary drills.

Speaking during the 88th pass-out parade of NYS recruits in Gilgil, Nakuru County on Monday, Ruto directed the Cabinet Secretaries for Interior, Defence and Public Service to begin talks immediately to make the order a reality.

The three dockets are held by Abraham Kithure Kindiki, Roselinda Soipan Tuya and Justin Bedan Muturi respectively.

“The minister responsible for NYS who is here with me should in consultation with the Ministry of Defence and Interior further initiative to make sure that the paramilitary training that these young men and women go through will include a basic course in firearms,” noted the President.

Ruto directed relevant agencies to ensure the 2025 cohort of NYS recruits goes up to 20, 000, from the 15, 000 this year.

"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,” he said.

“To improve on the numbers as I have directed that the next recruitment will have 20,000 recruits, I have today approved recruitment of 200 additional cadet officers to the NYS and 500 private officers to support in the exemplary work at NYS.”

"We are making arrangements as a government to make sure more young people benefit from this training and attendant vocational training that comes with it," noted the President. He also approved the recruitment of additional Cadets and Private officers to support the Service in doing their work.

“To improve on the numbers as I have directed, I have today approved the recruitment of 200 additional cadet officers into the NYS and 500 private officers to support in the exemplary work that is going on at the National Youth Service.”