On Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, the Kenya National Youth Service (NYS) announced its annual recruitment drive. The drive seeks energetic Kenyan youth, both male and female, to volunteer to serve the country while acquiring the necessary skills and Training.
If you have been wondering if the NYS Application form is out, the good news is that it is out, and you can now proceed to prepare yourself for the upcoming Recruitment exercise, which is set to take place between February 10 and February 15, 2025.
The National Youth Service in Kenya has continued to empower the youth since it was established through an act of Parliament in September 1964. At the time, the aim was to help provide military training to the disadvantaged youths displaced who fought during Kenya’s independence, but today, NYS has a focus on helping the community, especially after former President Uhuru Kenyatta reformed it in 2014.
Since 2014 September, the National Youth Service has then been conducting its recruitment exercise with the purpose of mentoring more than 30,000 youths with necessary skills and training courses from various industry sectors, including agriculture, hospitality, engineering, and more. Below is everything to know
What Are the Key Dates for NYS Recruitment 2025?
As per the Gazette notice released by the NYS and seen by Mawese, the 2025 NYS Recruitment Excersie is slated to occur between Monday, 10th February 2025, and Saturday, 15th February 2025.
The exercise accommodates all Kenyan citizens across all 47 counties, and it will happen across 358 designated venues throughout various sub-counties, which are as shown in the PDF attached below:
AdvertRequirements for NYS recruitment
While Joining NYS, calling upon various males, and volunteering, an applicant still has to meet its eligibility criteria so that they can be shortlisted for the next steps. These are:
- You Must be a Kenyan citizen living in any advertised recruitment sub-county
- You must be between the ages of 18 and 24 years
- You must have done KCSE and scored a mean grade of D plain and above
- You must have no criminal record in the past
- You must be willing to undergo Medical check-ups during and after the exercise has ended
- You must be prepared to relocate and provide service to any part of the country
In addition to meeting the above requirements, the following original and photocopies of the documents must be carried and presented on the day of recruitment
- Your Kenyan National ID card
- Academic Certificates
- Certificate of Good Conduct
How To Apply For NYS
So long as you meet the requirements we mentioned previously, you can then proceed with applying for NYS. Take note that the Kenya National Youth Service does not have a recruitment portal, and the only way to participate in the recruitment exercise is by visiting any designated center in your sub-county along with the documents we mentioned previously.
All Kenyans are encouraged to apply for the exercise, including Orphans, People with disabilities, and those who have demonstrated skills in Sports and other areas. Individuals with demonstrated skills will receive preferential treatment during the recruitment day.
NYS Training
After the NYS recruitment exercise has ended, successful candidates will be invited to take part in a mandatory paramilitary training program at the NYS Academy in Gilgil or the Naivasha paramilitary Course at NYS Paramilitary on the dates specified in their respective calling letters.
The courses offered by NS range from Diploma to craft and Artisan courses. Basically, the paramilitary courses take six months, but now academic courses like Diplomas take up to three years, CPA and ATD courses take three years, Craft courses take two years, and artisan courses also take two years, except for plant operation, which requires only six months.
Warning
NYS cautions all applicants against participating in any form of corruption, like canvassing or giving Money, so that they can be considered for admission. If you are caught engaging in such dishonest behaviors, you will be immediately disqualified from participating in any NYS recruitment in the future, and it may lead to prosecution.
FAQs
Can I join NYS without a KCSE certificate?
It is not possible to join NYS without a KCSE certificate. It is one of the documents that you must produce, and additionally, you must have scored a mean grade of D plain and above in order to be considered.
How many times do NYS recruit in a year?
The recruitment exercise for NYS in Kenya is usually conducted twice a year.
Can I join NYS with a grade of D?
The Minimum Grade for Joining NYS in Kenya is a mean grade of D in the KCSE exams
How much is NYS paid?
NYS trainees not are paid but rather receive a compensation allowance of Ksh2,100per month
Does NYS offer medical courses?
The Kenya National Youth Service does not offer medical courses.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it. If you have been wondering if 2024 the National Youth Service will continue recruitment, you now have your answer. Remember, if you are going to participate in the scheduled exercise, remember to meet the requirements and arrive early at the various designated centers. We wish you all the best
