NYS Recruitment 2025: Courses Offered and Intake Requirements

NYS Recruitment 2025: Courses Offered and Intake Requirements.

The National Youth Service (NYS) provides an opportunity for Kenyan youths aged between 18 and 24 to voluntarily enroll and access free vocational education. If you are interested in joining NYS, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the courses available and the intake requirements.

Background of the National Youth Service

Established in 1964, the NYS was designed to help young Kenyans identify and nurture their talents. The institution underwent restructuring in 2014 under the leadership of H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta, transforming it into a top-tier agency. Since its inception, NYS has empowered thousands of Kenyan youth through training and skill development.

NYS Recruitment in 2025

A nationwide recruitment drive is scheduled for February 2025. Prospective applicants can access detailed information, including specific recruitment dates and locations, by downloading the NYS recruitment schedule in PDF format. This document will indicate the recruitment date for each sub-county.

Application Process for NYS Recruitment

To apply, interested candidates must visit an NYS recruitment center in their sub-county. They should bring their original National ID, academic certificates, and a certificate of good conduct to the recruitment venue. At the center, they will be required to complete an NYS course application form.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria, which include being a Kenyan citizen aged 18 to 24 years. Notably, the application process cannot be completed online via the NYS recruitment portal, as physical attendance at the recruitment venue is mandatory.

Successful candidates will receive official calling letters and must undergo a six-month paramilitary training program. After completing the training, they will proceed to pursue their chosen course at an NYS vocational training institute.

Courses Offered at NYS

NYS provides a variety of diploma, craft, and artisan courses in fields such as engineering, agriculture, hospitality, and business. Below is a breakdown of the programs available:

Diploma Courses

Diploma programs are offered in vocational training institutions across the country. These courses include:

Agriculture
Automotive Engineering
Electrical Engineering (Power Option)
Electrical Engineering (Installation and Control)
Telecommunication
Computer Studies
ICT
Information Technology
Civil Engineering
Building Technology
Avionics
Construction Plant
Air Frame
Fashion and Design
Early Childhood and Development Education
Food and Beverage
Catering and Accommodation Management
Supply Chain Management
Human Resource Management
Sales and Marketing
Business Management
Secretarial Studies

Craft Certificate Courses

Craft certificate programs provide practical skills for employment and self-employment. The following craft courses are available at NYS vocational training centers:

Beauty Therapy
ICT
Fashion and Design
Early Childhood and Development Education
Catering and Accommodation Management
Masonry
Plumbing
Electrical Installation
Carpentry
Upholstery
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
Mechanical Production
Electrical & Electronics
Motor Vehicle Mechanics
Welding and Fabrication
Automotive Engineering
Motor Vehicle Technology
Metal Processing Technology
Supply Chain Management
Sales and Marketing
Business Management
Secretarial Studies

Artisan Courses

Artisan programs aim to equip young people with practical, market-ready skills. NYS offers various artisan courses, including:

Plant Operation
Plant Mechanics
Welding and Fabrication
Motor Vehicle Mechanics
ICT
Clothing and Textile
Panel Beating and Spray Painting
Motor Vehicle Electrician

Kenya National Youth Service (NYS) Course Entry Requirements

General Admission Criteria

To qualify for an NYS course, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a Kenyan citizen and a resident of the sub-county where they apply.
Fall within the age range of 18 to 24 years.
Present original copies of their National ID and academic certificates at the recruitment venue.
Possess a certificate of good conduct.
Be willing to undergo medical examinations during and after recruitment.
Be prepared for intensive physical training.
Be ready to serve voluntarily in any region of Kenya.

Meeting these qualifications does not guarantee admission into a course. Specific academic requirements also apply.

Academic Requirements

The educational qualifications for different NYS courses are as follows:

A minimum KCSE mean grade of C- is needed for diploma courses. Some diploma programs may have additional subject requirements.
Engineering diploma applicants must have a C- in Mathematics and a D+ in Physics.
A diploma in avionics or airframe requires a KCSE mean grade of C+, with the same grade in Mathematics and Physics.
A KCSE mean grade of D plain is necessary for craft courses.
Those who scored D- or below in KCSE or hold only KCPE certificates qualify for artisan courses.

Recruitment Frequency and Process

NYS conducts recruitment twice annually. The official announcement regarding recruitment dates is made via media outlets, the NYS website, and social media platforms.

To apply, interested candidates should visit the recruitment center in their respective sub-county during the designated period.

They must carry their original National ID, academic certificates, and a certificate of good conduct. At the venue, they will complete an NYS course application form.

NYS Training Duration

The length of NYS training varies by course:

Some programs last six months.
Diploma courses take three years.
CPA and ATD courses span three years.
Craft courses require two years.
Artisan courses take two years, except for plant operation, which lasts six months.
Driving courses range from three to six months.

Training Intensity and Challenges

Before starting their courses, NYS recruits undergo rigorous paramilitary training. This program is designed to instill teamwork, discipline, and other essential values required for national service.

Eligibility for Courses Based on KCSE Grade

Applicants with a KCSE mean grade of D plain can enroll in NYS craft courses, including fashion and design, plumbing, sales and marketing, business management, masonry, carpentry, and vehicle mechanics.

Is there Allowance for Trainees?

Although NYS is a voluntary program, each trainee receives a monthly allowance of Ksh. 2,100 throughout the training period.

Courses Offered at NYS Naivasha

NYS Naivasha, one of the largest and most established NYS training centers, provides various craft and diploma courses. Some of the available programs include fashion and design, early childhood development education, and information technology.

Availability of Medical Courses

NYS does not offer medical courses. Instead, it focuses on artisan, craft, and diploma programs unrelated to medicine.

Transition to Kenya Defence Forces (KDF)

In December 2023, President William Ruto declared that NYS graduates would be allocated 80% of KDF and police recruitment slots.

Important Recruitment Announcements

NYS recruitment details are made public, specifying recruitment dates, locations, and minimum qualifications. Interested individuals should carefully review the announcements to avoid missing this opportunity.

Conclusion

Enrolling in NYS provides young Kenyans with an excellent opportunity to gain skills and education in various technical and vocational fields. By participating in the 2025 recruitment exercise, eligible individuals can embark on a path toward personal and professional growth through structured training and education programs.