NYS officers to be trained on use of firearms
President William Ruto has announced an initiative to incorporate basic firearms training for National Youth Service (NYS) officers.
The President emphasized that this move is crucial to ensuring the officers are well-prepared to respond effectively to national security needs. To implement this plan, he directed the Cabinet Secretaries for Interior, Defense, and Public Service to initiate discussions immediately.
According to Ruto, the Minister responsible for NYS, in consultation with the Ministries of Defense and Interior, should spearhead the integration of firearms training into the existing paramilitary curriculum for NYS recruits.
Prioritizing NYS in National Security Recruitment
During the NYS recruits’ pass-out parade in Gilgil, President Ruto stressed the importance of security agencies prioritizing NYS alumni in their recruitment processes.
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He praised the Kenya Wildlife Service for already adopting this approach, citing that 447 out of 790 recruits in their recent intake were former NYS officers, representing 56 percent of the total.
Expansion of NYS Recruitment Numbers
President Ruto also announced a significant increase in the number of NYS recruits. He expressed satisfaction with this year’s intake of nearly 15,000 recruits and reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people through NYS training programs.
The president set a target to recruit 20,000 new members in the next intake, up from the current cohort.
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To support this increase, Ruto approved the recruitment of additional personnel, specifically 200 cadet officers and 500 private officers, to bolster the NYS’s capacity to deliver on its mandate effectively.
The government is making arrangements to ensure that more young people benefit from the training and vocational opportunities provided by the NYS.
NYS Officers to be Trained on Use of Firearms
