Talks ongoing for NYS training before joining university

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru

It could soon be mandatory for students who have qualified to join university to first enrol at the National Youth Service (NYS).

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru Wednesday said talks are ongoing between stakeholders and the Government on the possibilities of returning to the old system where those joining universities had to first go through some training at the NYS.

Speaking to the Press in her office, Ms Waiguru said: "We are in talks with the Ministry of Education and other relevant bodies. Soon we will be giving out the outcome."

In July 2013, Senators passed a motion by nominated Senator Beatrice Elachi asking that secondary school leavers be facilitated to join NYS for courses offered by the service to enable them acquire necessary skills.

She asked for the establishment of NYS centres in all counties to train the youth on unskilled jobs and in patriotism ahead of further studies.

In the bill, Ms Elachi argued that enrolment in NYS would keep the youth busy hence keep them away from engaging in alcoholism and other forms of drug abuse.

The NYS system, which was started in 1964, targets the unemployed, unmarried young people between the ages of 18 and 22.