The National Youth Service (NYS) has sparked a wave of excitement across the country following a double-barreled announcement of massive employment and volunteer opportunities. In a public notice issued Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the service declared 750 permanent and pensionable vacancies alongside the dates for the highly anticipated 2026 nationwide volunteer recruitment exercise.
Permanent and pensionable careers
In a move to absorb its graduates into the formal workforce, the NYS is seeking to hire 250 Cadet Officers and 500 Privates. These positions are exclusively reserved for ex-NYS servicemen and women who have completed their initial paramilitary training.
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Cadet Officers applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum KCSE grade of C+.
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Privates applications require a minimum KCSE grade of D+ and a valid NYS Discharge Certificate.
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Applications for these permanent roles must be submitted by March 18, 2026.
Selected candidates will enjoy salaries and allowances in line with the official NYS scale and will be integrated into the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme for civil servants.
Volunteer recruitment: Dates and venues
For young Kenyans looking to join the service for the first time, the NYS has scheduled a nationwide volunteer recruitment drive from Monday, March 16 to Saturday, March 21, 2026. The exercise will take place at designated sub-county headquarters starting at 8:00 a.m. daily.
Key Requirements for volunteers:
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Must be a Kenyan citizen and resident of the recruitment sub-county.
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Aged between 18 and 24 years.
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Minimum KCSE mean grade of D (Plain).
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Original National ID, academic certificates, and a valid Certificate of Good Conduct.
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