The National Youth Service (NYS) is a paramilitary organization under the Ministry of Public Service, Youth, and Gender Affairs whose mandate is to facilitate the moral, civic, and vocational training of Kenya’s youth. Every year, the NYS undertakes recruitment drives to source young men and women eager to serve their nation through the service. In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about the NYS Recruitment 2024 process.
About the National Youth Service
Founded in 1964, the NYS aims to nurture disciplined, patriotic, and productive youth through its training programs. Its core functions include:
- Moral and ideological training of youth to foster cohesion and nation-building.
- Paramilitary skills development covers discipline, drill, weaponry, and self-defense.
- Technical and vocational skills training equipping youth for careers and entrepreneurship.
- Community development projects like roadworks, food security initiatives, and environmental conservation.
- Youth empowerment through education, counseling, and talent development activities.
With headquarters in Nairobi, the NYS runs training camps across the country staffed by officers from the disciplined forces. Thousands of graduates are absorbed in various government and private sector jobs annually having gained invaluable life and job skills.
Eligibility for NYS Recruitment 2024
To be considered for the NYS Recruitment 2024 intake, candidates must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:
- Be a Kenyan citizen aged 18-24 years by 1st January 2024.
- Have a minimum KCSE mean grade of D+ or its equivalent for diploma certificate holders.
- Provide original IDs (ID/passport), birth, and KCSE certificates during screening.
- Acquire a Clean Certificate of Good Conduct from the police.
- Have no previous criminal convictions or pending criminal matters.
- Be medically, physically, and mentally fit for the paramilitary training.
- Be a resident of one of the 43 approved counties for NYS recruitment.
Counties Eligible for NYS Recruitment 2024
Residency in any of the following counties makes one eligible to apply for NYS recruitment:
- Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Mandera, Meru, Migori, Marsabit, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Samburu, Siaya, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga, Wajir, West Pokot.
NYS Recruitment 2024 Timeline
Here are the key anticipated dates for the NYS Recruitment 2024 exercise:
- Advertisement of vacancies: 1-15 December 2023
- Commencement of online applications: 16 December 2023
- Closing of online applications: 15 January 2024
- Screening and selection of candidates: 20-30 January 2024
- Release of selection results: 1 February 2024
- Reporting date for successful candidates: 5-10 February 2024
- Commencement of basic paramilitary training: 15 February 2024
- Passing out parade: 15 May 2024
How to Apply for NYS Recruitment 2024
The application process is fully online to encourage participation from far-flung regions. Here are the steps to follow:
- Visit the official NYS recruitment portal www.nys.go.ke
- Click on ‘Careers’ and review current vacancies
- Click ‘Apply’ and register an account with a valid email and password
- Input personal and educational details correctly
- Upload clear copies of ID, certificate and conduct clearance
- Review inputs and agree to terms before submitting an application
- Check the registration number and print the provisional recruitment slip
- Await outcome communication and screening schedule if shortlisted
- Report for screening with original documents as stipulated
The process is seamless and user-friendly. Ensure timely submission before the 15th January 2024 deadline.
What to Expect After Submitting Your Application
After submitting your online application, here is what to expect next:
- Wait for notification regarding the screening schedule in mid-January.
- Candidates will be screened at specified NTSA-accredited driving schools countywide.
- Biometric/biodata capture and verification of uploaded documents on the day.
- Medical examination to ascertain fitness for paramilitary training.
- Selection of suitable candidates based on performance and documents.
- Release of selected candidates list on the NYS website by 1st February.
- Report to allocated NYS training camp with specified items by 15th February.
- Commence 6 months of intensive residential basic paramilitary training program.
- Marching, drilling, weapon handling, and self-defense skill development.
- Technical vocational skills like carpentry, masonry, tailoring, and agriculture.
- Graduation and passing out parade in mid-May with placement opportunities.
NYS Recruitment 2024 FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions on the NYS Recruitment 2024 process:
Q: What roles are available in NYS?
A: NYS has technical, support, and administrative roles across all its camps nationwide.
Q: Can foreigners apply for NYS?
A: No, NYS recruitment is exclusively for Kenyan citizens residing in eligible counties.
Q: Are there age exemptions if I miss the cutoff by a few months?
A: No, the prescribed ages of 18-24 years must be strictly adhered to.
Q: What happens after basic training?
A: Trainees are confirmed as NYS officers, trained further or absorbed in attachment programs.
Q: How long is the service commitment after training?
A: Officers commit to serving NYS for a minimum of 2 years after the passing out parade.
Q: What if I can’t report to camp due to unforeseen circumstances?
A: Candidates may negotiate transfer to alternate later intakes subject to proven need.
Wrapping Up
The NYS continues equipping Kenya’s youth with patriotism and life skills while executing critical national mandates. Joining this prestigious service provides an honorable alternative to unemployment for ambitious young Kenyans. With adequate preparation and observation of guidelines, many bright careers could be built from this once-a-year recruitment exercise. All the best to those participating in the NYS Recruitment 2024 process.