NYS Announces Nationwide Recruitment of Volunteer Servicemen and Servicewomen (16th–21st March 2026)

The National Youth Service (NYS) has officially announced a nationwide recruitment exercise for Volunteer Servicemen and Servicewomen scheduled to take place from Monday, 16th March 2026 to Saturday, 21st March 2026, starting at 8:00 a.m. daily across all counties in Kenya.

The recruitment targets young Kenyans seeking to serve the country through structured paramilitary and technical training. The exercise will be conducted at designated Sub-County recruitment centres nationwide, including Nairobi, Nakuru, Kiambu, Mombasa, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, Garissa, Mandera, Turkana, and all other counties as outlined in the official schedule.

NYS Recruitment 2026 Requirements

To qualify for the NYS volunteer intake, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Kenyan citizen and resident of the respective Sub-County of recruitment

• Be aged between 18 and 24 years

• Have attained a minimum mean grade of D (Plain) in KCSE

• Present original National Identity Card and academic certificates, plus one set of photocopies

• Provide a valid Certificate of Good Conduct

• Be medically fit and willing to undergo medical examination

• Be prepared to undertake Basic Paramilitary Training

• Be ready to offer voluntary national service anywhere in Kenya

Only applicants who meet all requirements will be considered.

Special Consideration Categories

The NYS has indicated that:

• Orphans who meet the eligibility criteria will receive special consideration upon presentation of valid proof such as death certificates or burial permits.

• Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are encouraged to participate provided they can withstand the prescribed physical training.

• Applicants with demonstrated sports skills and talents will have an added advantage.

Reporting for Successful Candidates

Successful applicants will receive official calling letters directing them to report to either:

• NYS Paramilitary Academy, Gilgil
  or

• NYS Technical Training Institute (NYSTTI), Naivasha

Reporting dates and times will be specified in the respective admission letters.

Recruitment Centres by County

The recruitment will be conducted in all 47 counties, including:

• Nairobi County – NYS Headquarters, Ruaraka Playground (serving all sub-counties)

• Nakuru County – Subukia, Nakuru East, Naivasha, Gilgil, Molo, Rongai, among others

• Kiambu County – Thika, Ruiru, Juja, Kikuyu, Kiambaa, Gatundu, Limuru, etc.

• Mombasa County – Changamwe, Mvita, Kisauni, Likoni, Nyali, Jomvu

• Kisumu County – Kisumu Central, Kisumu East, Kisumu West, Nyakach, Nyando

• Uasin Gishu County – Eldoret South (Kapseret), Soy, Moiben, Turbo, Ainabkoi, Kesses

Applicants are advised to attend recruitment strictly at the centre designated for their respective Sub-County of residence.

NYS Anti-Corruption Warning

The National Youth Service has reiterated that the recruitment exercise is free of charge.

NYS does not condone bribery, canvassing, or any form of inducement. Any individual found engaging in corrupt practices will face automatic disqualification and possible prosecution.

Cases of corruption should be reported immediately to the Office of the Commandant General via telephone: 020-2400129.

How to Get Official Updates

Interested applicants are encouraged to verify details and follow official updates through the National Youth Service (NYS) official platforms.