NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 26 – Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, popularly known as Mejja Donk, has raised concerns about the transparency of the recruitment process for the 15,000 National Youth Service (NYS) volunteers.
Gathiru questioned why the selection process did not take place at the ward level as originally planned, alleging interference in the recruitment process.
During a session in the house, the legislator sought clarification from Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria regarding the steps taken to ensure transparency in the NYS recruitment, particularly in the 85 wards within the City County.
He emphasized the need for evidence of the recruitment process in each ward to address the growing concerns among members of parliament and the public.
“There have been numerous concerns from members of parliament and the public regarding the level of transparency and equity in the distribution of available NYS slots,” he said.
In response to these concerns, Gathiru proposed that the Budget and Appropriation Committee consider withholding funding to the NYS in the ongoing budgetary process, either through a supplementary budget or in the next financial year, if corrective measures are not implemented to address the raised issues against the state agency.
Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management CS Moses Kuria had earlier announced that the recruitment would take place in 1,450 wards, with each ward allocated a share of the recruitment slots.
The recruitment exercise, which occurred from February 5 to February 9, aimed to enlist 15,000 volunteers.
Gathiru expressed suspicion of systematic interference in the recruitment process, particularly aimed at denying certain members of the public, especially in Nairobi, the opportunity to engage in national duty.
According to the distribution schedule released by the government, the recruitment was to be conducted at the sub-county level, with each of the 1,450 wards allocated a specific number of slots based on population demographics.
Candidates for the NYS volunteer positions were required to be Kenyan citizens and residents of the respective sub-counties where recruitment took place, aged between 18 to 24 years, and possess a mean Grade of D plain and above in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
Additionally, candidates were required to provide original National Identity Cards and academic certificates, along with copies, at the recruitment centre.
Other prerequisites included a certificate of Good Conduct, readiness to undergo medical check-ups during and after recruitment, and preparedness to undergo rigorous physical training and offer voluntary service anywhere in Kenya.
