Massive NYS Recruitment 2026 Drive Targets Cadet, Private Officers and Volunteers

The National Youth Service (NYS) has launched a massive recruitment drive, offering over 700 job opportunities for Kenyans nationwide. This initiative targets both cadet and private officers while simultaneously opening a separate call for volunteer servicemen and servicewomen.

The agency announced the vacancies on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, inviting qualified citizens to apply for a variety of technical, professional, and support roles. Specifically, the NYS aims to hire 250 cadet officers and 500 private officers to bolster its operations.

The cadet officer positions cover a broad spectrum of expertise, including:

Technical & Finance: Engineers, accountants, auditors, and supply chain experts.
Health & Science: Clinical officers, laboratory technologists, and registered community health nurses.
Specialized Fields: ICT officers, project management specialists, economists, and hydrologists.
Agriculture & Law: Veterinary officers, agricultural experts, legal officers, and chaplains.

To qualify for these roles, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Applicants must be Kenyan citizens aged between 18 and 28; possess a valid National ID and KRA PIN; and maintain good medical fitness. Those selected must also commit to a rigorous nine-month NYS paramilitary training program.

Beyond the specialized cadet roles, the NYS is offering hundreds of private officer positions for skilled tradespeople. The vacancies include:

Transport & Logistics: 70 drivers and 80 plant operators.
Construction & Maintenance: 30 masons, 10 electricians, 15 carpenters, and 10 plumbers.
Support & Specialized Services: 30 band members, 20 secretaries, 10 agriculture officers, 25 vehicle mechanics, 20 welders, and 20 panel beaters.
General Operations: 160 general duty personnel.

To join these ranks, you must hold at least a D+ in your KCSE exams and have already completed your initial NYS paramilitary training. Additionally, the service requires a National Trade Test, craft, or diploma certification in your specific field, along with clean medical and criminal records.

Nationwide Volunteer Recruitment: March 16–21

If you haven’t yet joined the service, the NYS will conduct a massive nationwide recruitment for volunteer servicemen and servicewomen from Monday, March 16, to Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Recruitment kicks off daily at 8:00 AM at designated centers across all counties. This opportunity is open to Kenyan citizens aged 18 to 24 who reside in the sub-counties where they apply. Applicants need at least a D (Plain) in KCSE.

What to bring to the recruitment center:

Your original national identity card.
Original academic certificates.
One complete set of photocopies of these documents.
A valid police clearance certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct).

Candidates must be prepared for medical examinations and the physically demanding basic paramilitary training. Once selected, recruits will head to the NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil or the NYS Technical Training Institute in Naivasha.

The NYS aims to be inclusive in its hiring process. They encourage orphans and persons with disabilities (PWD) who meet the job criteria to apply. For orphans, the service requires specific documentary proof, such as parent’s death certificates or burial permits, to qualify for special consideration. Additionally, if you have exceptional skills in sports or other talents, you might receive a competitive advantage during the selection process.

To apply for the cadet and private officer positions, you should follow these steps:

Get the Form: Download the Application for Employment Form – PSC.2 (Revised 2016) from the Public Service Commission (PSC) website.
Submit via Email: Scan your completed form and supporting documents, then send them to [email protected] or [email protected].
Submit via Post: Alternatively, send your application in a sealed envelope clearly marked with the job title to:

Commandant General > National Youth Service > P.O. Box 30397 – 00100, GPO Nairobi
Hand Delivery: You can also drop your sealed application at the Registry on the ground floor of the NYS Headquarters in Ruaraka, Thika Road.