Ruto to Interior, Defence CSs: Ensure NYS recruits get firearms training

President William Ruto has directed Interior and Defence Cabinet Secretaries Kithure Kindiki and Soipan Tuya to ensure National Youth Service Recruits get basic firearms use training.

Speaking on when he presided over the recruits’ pass-out parade in Gilgil on Monday, Ruto said the training should be included in the paramilitary trainings they undergo, at NYS.

“The minister responsible for NYS who is here with me should in consultation with the Ministry of Defence and Interior further initiative to make sure that the paramilitary training that these young men and women go through will include a basic course in firearms,” he said.

The President directed the two CSs to begin talks immediately to have the program started.

Ruto praised the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for heeding to the directive to recruit former NYS recruits during the last recruitment exercise.

He noted that out of 790 persons recruited during the recent exercise, 447 were ex-NYS officers representing 56 per cent.

According to Ruto, the government will make sure more young people benefit from trainings offered by the NYS.

“We are making arrangements as government to make sure more young people benefit from this training and attendant vocational training that comes with it,” the President said.

He also directed the Service to increase the number of recruits to 20,000 in their next intake.

“To improve on the numbers as I have directed that the next recruitment will have 20,000 recruits, I have today approved recruitment of 200 additional cadet officers to the NYS and 500 private officers to support in the exemplary work at NYS,” he added.