MPs Back Motion to Prioritise NYS Graduates for Security Jobs

Members of the National Assembly have endorsed a Motion aiming to prioritize the employment of National Youth Service (NYS) graduates in government agencies and private security companies. Originating from Kilifi County MP Gertrude Mbeyu, the Motion seeks to create a policy framework for the organized integration of NYS graduates as security personnel within government entities.

The draft highlights that around 18,000 youths are trained annually in NYS, yet government agencies continue to depend on private security firms to supplement the security provided by uniformed officers. Mbeyu contends that NYS graduates possess essential training in discipline, security awareness, public service ethics, and emergency response, which could be leveraged to generate employment opportunities while simultaneously addressing the security requisites of public institutions.

The Motion urges the National Government to formulate guidelines for youth employment in accordance with Article 55 of the Constitution, prioritizing NYS graduates for supplementary security roles within ministries, departments, and agencies. Furthermore, it suggests a framework to govern the distribution of security duties between NYS graduates and private security firms, detailing recruitment, deployment, remuneration, training, and career advancement.

Backing the Motion, Kitutu Chache MP Japheth Nyakundi emphasized the importance of ensuring NYS graduates secure employment following their training, acknowledging the significant financial investment made by the country in equipping them with skills. "We have invested a lot of money as a country to train these youth, only for them to remain jobless after graduating from the NYS," Nyakundi remarked.