Joining the National Youth Service (NYS) is a dream for many young people. The institution enables the youth to pursue education and training for various courses free of charge. But what are the requirements for joining the institution? And can you join NYS with a D-?
The Kenyan government established the National Youth Service under the Act of Parliament (Cap 208) in September 1964. Since its inception, the NYS has been under eight different Ministries. Since 2015, the NYS has been under the Ministry of Public Service Youth and Gender.
Yes, you can. From March 2024, the National Youth Service lowered the minimum entry grade from the previous D (plain) to D- (minus). However, the NYS will implement the change during the next recruitment exercise. The National Youth Service recruits twice a year, meaning the change will take place during the next 2024 intake.
The NYS Director General James Kipsiele Tembur announced the change during an appearance before the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities on 29 February 2024.
Speaking during the Aden Yusuf Haji-led Committee, the NYS Director General said,
The Ministry has lowered the mean grade to enable youths from disadvantaged communities to have an opportunity to join NYS.
Yes, you can join the National Youth Service with a KCSE mean D (plain) grade. Before the March 2024 implementation that lowered the minimum grade to D- (minus), the previous minimum entry grade was KCSE D (plain).
The qualification requirements for the National Youth Service in Kenya are as follows:
Here are the minimum academic requirements for the National Youth Service:
According to the 29 February 2024 National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities report, the NYS minimum entry grade is KCSE D- (minus) or equivalent. Previously, the minimum entry KCSE grade was D (plain).
Joining the National Youth Service in Kenya offers many benefits. It provides an opportunity for skill development through various diploma, craft, and artisan courses in diverse fields. It also offers free college education, enabling youth from poor backgrounds to get tertiary education.
Beyond financial and academic compensation, the NYS contributes significantly to its members' personal and professional development. It instils discipline and values through its training.
The NYS plays a crucial role in the lives of young Kenyans and has a significant societal impact, contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development.
Yes, you can. After completing your National Youth Service training, you can join the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF). NYS graduates receive prioritisation during military recruitment exercises and other disciplined forces.
According to Nation, Kenyan President William Ruto announced in late 2023 that 80 per cent of KDF and police recruitment slots are allocations for NYS graduates.
While speaking during the National Youth Service graduates passing out ceremony in December 2023, the President said,
The NSC (The National Security Council) has decided that going forward, 80 per cent of all security recruitment will be from NYS. They will form part of KDF, KWS, KFS.
To join the National Youth Service, you must be available during recruitment and visit the recruitment centre in your sub-county. Bring all the enlistment requirements, including the National ID, academic certificates, and certificate of good conduct, to the recruitment centre.
The NYS undertakes the recruitment exercise in every sub-county across all 47 counties in Kenya. The service publishes the recruitment dates in print and electronic media.
The paramilitary and regimentation training takes six months. Academic courses can take six months to over three years, depending on the course a person is undertaking. For example, craft courses take six months to 2 years, while diploma courses can take up to 3 years.
Its broad mandate is empowering youth, mentoring, training members and commercialising production. The National Youth Service also provides vocational and technical training services and collaborates with stakeholders to further service functions.
The current age limit for joining the National Youth Service (NYS) is 24 years. The minimum age limit is 18 years old.
Can you join NYS with a D-? As of May 2024, yes, you can. The National Youth Service (NYS) lowered the minimum KCSE mean grade from D to D- to accommodate more Kenyans in future recruitments.
Are you looking for information about the NYS recruitment 2024? Tuko.co.ke recently published an informative article detailing the recruitment dates, courses offered and intake requirements for joining the National Youth Service.
The National Youth Service (NYS) helps young people discover and develop their potential. It has helped shape the lives of many young Kenyans for many years. But do you know how to apply for the NYS? And what are the intake requirements?
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The NYS parade and logo.
Can you join NYS with a D-? Here is everything you should know - Tuko.co.ke
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