Join the National Youth Service (NYS)
National Youth Service · sources read 1 Oct 2026
NYS recruits young Kenyans aged 18 to 24 once a year at recruitment centres in every sub-county. Go to the centre in your own sub-county on the advertised dates with your original ID, KCSE certificate (minimum D plain), a copy of each, and a certificate of good conduct.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- Where
- In person at the NYS recruitment centre in your sub-county, on the dates in the official advert
What you need
- Your original national ID and academic certificates, plus one set of photocopies
- A valid certificate of good conduct (police clearance)
- Orphans: proof such as the parents' death certificates or burial permits, for special consideration
Steps
- Watch for the yearly NYS recruitment advert on nys.go.ke. It lists the dates and the centre for each sub-county.
- On the recruitment day, go to the centre in the sub-county where you live with your original documents and copies.
- Be ready for a medical examination during and after the recruitment exercise.
- If you are selected, report to the NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil or NYSTTI Naivasha on the date in your calling letter for six months of basic paramilitary training.
Watch out
- Never pay or offer anything to get in. Canvassing or bribes is an offence and can get you disqualified or prosecuted.
- Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply at their sub-county centre, as long as they can manage the physical training.
- You must be ready to serve in any part of Kenya.
Who can apply
- Young people aged 18 to 24
- Kenyan citizens, applying in the sub-county where they live
- At least a D (plain) mean grade in KCSE
Official sources (2)
- National Youth Service nys.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- Advertisement for the recruitment of NYS volunteer servicemen and servicewomen nys.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026