Gilgil — President William Ruto has directed some ministries to allocate 30 percent of their vacancies to National Youth Service (NYS) servicemen and women.
President Ruto said the move is aimed at encouraging and motivating many young Kenyans to join their path to national service and productivity.
Speaking in Gilgil, Nakuru County on Friday during the NYS recruits passing out parade, President Ruto praised the role played by the sector in nurturing talent among the youth.
"I am directing the ministries of Defence, Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage as well as
the Interior and National Administration to allocate at least 30% of their vacancies to NYS servicemen and women," said President Ruto.
At the same time, the Head of State, said the number of those joining NYS will be doubled during future intakes.
"We want to enhance annual intake from
10,000 to 20,000 youths, while at the same time broadening the pipeline of qualified youths into public and private sector as well as self-employment," said President Ruto.
He said the youth play an important role in the development of the country, saying the Government will continue to nurture their talents so as to make use of their expertise.
He asked the ministry of Water,Sanitation and Irrigation to engage in the construction of at least 100 dams and water pans annually.
The President said the move is aimed at enriching education, training and skill development while utilizing the construction plant, machinery and equipment.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
The Head of State also lauded plans by NYS to put 720 acres of land under irrigation to support maize, potato and soya bean seed production and multiplication.
"This is in addition to imparting training
in such vital fields as aeroponics, climate-smart agriculture and research. It is important that this new venture succeeds, is cost-effective and does not exert inordinate budgetary pressure," he said.
He said it was encouraging that the service was going to play a significant role in the national tree planting campaign by growing 1 billion trees on 40,000
acres over the next 5 years.
Public Service and Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa said NYS will continue to empower youth for skills development.
"NYS has aligned its activities in line with the Kenya Kwanza development especially in agriculture, housing and infrastructure among others, " said Ms Jumwa.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika praised the role played by NYS in the economic transformation of the country.
"NYS has equipment that has greatly helped in the improvement of roads and provision of water in rural areas, " said Ms Kihika.
