NYS Opens Nationwide Recruitment for Volunteers, Announces Dates – How to Apply
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The National Youth Service (NYS) has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise for volunteers, open to both males and females.
In a notice dated Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Service stated that the recruitment exercise will run from Monday, March 16, to Saturday, March 21.
“The Kenya National Youth Service (NYS) wishes to inform the general public that a nationwide recruitment exercise for NYS volunteers (male and female) will be conducted throughout the Republic from Monday, 16th March 2026 to Saturday, 21st March 2026, starting at 8:00 a.m. daily, in accordance with the schedule and requirements outlined below,” read part of the notice.
Requirements for NYS Volunteer Program
According to NYS, all applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Kenyan citizen and a 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 the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
- Present the original National Identity Card and academic certificates, and submit one set of photocopies at the recruitment center.
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- Possess a valid police clearance certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct).
- Be willing to undergo a medical examination during and after the recruitment exercise.
- Be prepared to undergo Basic Paramilitary Training.
- Be ready to offer voluntary service to the nation in any part of Kenya.
- Successful candidates will report to the NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil or the NYS Technical Training Institute (NYSTTI) in Naivasha on the dates and times specified in their respective calling letters.
Special Considerations
The Service highlighted that orphans meeting the requirements will be given special consideration upon presentation of valid documentary proof, such as parents’ death certificates or burial permits.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to participate, provided they can withstand the prescribed physical training. Applicants with demonstrated sports skills or talents will have an added advantage.
Also Read: NYS Announces 410 Overseas Job Opportunites for Kenyans: How to Apply
NYS also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on corruption. Canvassing or offering monetary or other inducements for admission is an offence that may lead to automatic disqualification and/or prosecution. Any such incidents should be reported immediately to the Commandant General via telephone 020-2400129.
The recruitment program will span several days across various counties and sub-counties, beginning daily at 8:00 a.m.
The recruitment program is scheduled as follows:
NYS Recruitment Timeline Summary (March 2026)
| Date | Recruitment Day | Examples of Counties Involved | Key Locations/Focus |
| Monday, March 16 | Day One | Baringo, Bungoma, Busia, Garissa, Homabay, Kajiado, Kiambu, Kisii, Kisumu, Machakos, Meru, Mombasa, Nakuru, Nyeri, Turkana, Wajir, West Pokot, etc. | Recruitment centers include D.C.C./A.C.C. offices, public grounds, and stadiums across various sub-counties. |
| Tuesday, March 17 | Day Two | Bomet, Baringo, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Isiolo, Kakamega, Kericho, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kwale, Laikipia, Makueni, Mandera, Marsabit, Murang’a, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Samburu, Siaya, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka Nithi, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga. | Continues across multiple sub-counties in various regions. |
| Wednesday, March 18 | Day Three | Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Garissa, Homabay, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nandi, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Samburu, Siaya, Turkana, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka Nithi, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga, Wajir, West Pokot. | Broad coverage across the majority of counties. |
| Thursday, March 19 | Day Four | Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Garissa, Homabay, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Machakos, Makueni, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Siaya, Samburu, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka Nithi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga, Wajir, West Pokot. | Continued sub-county level recruitment. |
| Friday, March 20 | Day Five | Nairobi (Main Focus), Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Embu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Garissa, Homabay, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Samburu, Laikipia, Machakos, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Siaya, Tana River, Tharaka Nithi, Trans-Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga, Wajir, West Pokot. | Significant activity in Nairobi sub-counties (Dagoretti, Embakasi, Kasarani, Kibra, Langata, etc.) held at the NYS Headquarters or Ruaraka Play Ground. |
| Saturday, March 21 | Day Six | Tana River, Wajir, Kilifi, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Kajiado, Vihiga, Homabay. | Final recruitment activities at designated sub-county centers. |
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NYS recruits undergoing training. PHOTO/NYS