The National Youth Service (NYS) has honoured its top-performing recruits during a pass-out parade held on October 2 at the NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Geoffrey Ruku presented awards to recruits who excelled in different categories during the ceremony.
Bravin Omondi, Service Number 288611, was named the best all-round recruit, taking the top honour at the ceremony.
In other categories, John Sergon, Service Number 278654, emerged as the best recruit in drills, while Luciana Mwake, Service Number 273586, was recognized for excelling in academics.
Rose Ndirangu, Service Number 287194, was named the best recruit in sports.
A total of 15,363 NYS recruits graduated after completing six months of intensive training at the NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
The graduating class comprised 11,527 male recruits and 3,835 female recruits. The cohort also included 15 recruits living with disabilities.
CS Ruku Speaks During NYS Pass-Out Parade
While delivering his speech, Ruku outlined the Government’s plans to strengthen the National Youth Service (NYS) and expand opportunities for young people.
The CS said the Government would continue investing in the Service to equip the youth with skills and create pathways for them to access opportunities across the country.
On equipment, Ruku said the Service was already procuring 50 large tipper trucks and two-wheel loaders, with a further 50 excavators expected.
He said the Government was committed to ensuring that opportunities available through NYS reached young people across the country, including those in marginalized and underserved areas.
“The Government is committed to ensuring that opportunities offered through the National Youth Service reach young people across the country, including those living in marginalized and underserved areas,” he said.
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He noted that NYS programmes had contributed to the planting of more than 71.8 million trees since 2022, while the Service’s 22 nurseries have the capacity to propagate about 50 million seedlings annually.
The CS also highlighted the role of NYS personnel in rebuilding homes destroyed by landslides in Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet County. He said between 80 and 90 percent of the 56 houses targeted for reconstruction had been completed.
Ruku urged the graduating recruits to apply the technical skills gained during their training in service to the country.
“As you leave this Academy today, carry forward the technical skills you have acquired. But above all, carry forward the understanding that service to Kenya is a privilege and a responsibility,” he said.
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About NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil
The National Youth Service (NYS) Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, serves as the main training facility for NYS recruits.
Recruits spend six months undergoing intensive paramilitary training focused on discipline, physical fitness, patriotism, and practical skills.
Plans are underway to expand the academy as part of the Government’s target of increasing NYS recruitment to 100,000 youth annually by 2028.
The planned upgrades will include new barracks, classrooms, administrative facilities and staff housing, with Ksh6.4 billion allocated towards strengthening NYS infrastructure and increasing training capacity.
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