President William Ruto has announced plans to introduce basic firearms training for National Youth Service (NYS) officers, enhancing their preparedness to respond to security threats.
Speaking during a pass-out parade of NYS recruits in Gilgil, the President emphasized the importance of equipping the officers with the necessary skills to protect the country. He directed the Cabinet Secretaries for Interior, Defence, and Public Service to initiate discussions on the implementation of this proposal.
“The minister responsible for NYS, who is here with me, should, in consultation with the Ministry of Defence and Interior, further initiate measures to ensure that the paramilitary training these young men and women undergo includes a basic course in firearms,” said President Ruto.
The President also urged security agencies to prioritize the absorption of NYS officers in their recruitment processes, highlighting the need for a more integrated approach to national security.
This move is expected to bolster the NYS’s capacity to support national security efforts, positioning the service as a critical component in the country’s defence strategy.