President William Ruto has proposed a basic firearms training for National Youth Service (NYS) officers.

This training aims to prepare the officers to effectively respond and safeguard the nation in times of need.

Speaking during a pass out parade for NYS recruits at Gilgil on Monday August 26, 2024, Ruto instructed the Cabinet Secretaries for Interior, Defence, and Public Service to commence discussions promptly to implement this plan.

“The NYS minister, present alongside me, must collaborate with the Defence and Interior Ministries to ensure that the paramilitary training for NYS recruits incorporates a fundamental firearms course,” he stated.

Importance of including firearms in NYS training

He emphasized the importance of including a basic firearms course in the paramilitary training provided to the young trainees in NYS.

He also instructed an increase in number of recruits to 20,000 in the next intake.

The President mentioned that this year’s intake included nearly 15,000 recruits, which he found encouraging.

He therefore emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring more young people benefit from the training programs provided by the NYS.

“I am pleased that the number of recruits reached nearly 15,000. As I have directed, our goal is to recruit 20,000 next year in a single intake.

“We are making arrangements as a government to ensure that more young people can take advantage of this training and the vocational training that comes with it,” the President mentioned.

The President also mentioned that NYS recruits will play a crucial role in the Kenya Kwanza administration’s initiative to plant 15 billion trees.

To support this, the President ordered the recruitment of 200 additional cadet officers and 500 private officers.

Additionally, new hostels will be built to accommodate 3,000 extra recruits.

Recently, 15,000 graduates completed their service, and the President urged them to continue on the path of success by upholding the values they have learned.

He stated that the NYS will oversee the climate action program across the country.