The National Youth Service has announced more than 700 vacancies for cadet officers and private officers across a wide range of professional and technical disciplines, offering young Kenyans a chance to join one of the country’s oldest disciplined services.
In a public advertisement published on February 25, 2026, NYS revealed it is recruiting 250 cadet officers and 500 private officers to strengthen its operational capacity in areas such as engineering, agriculture, health services, hospitality, ICT, mechanical trades, building and construction, disaster management, security and administration.
Cadet officer positions are targeted at degree and diploma holders with relevant qualifications, while private officer roles are open to those with certificates, diplomas and, in some cases, artisan-level training. Successful candidates will undergo rigorous basic training at the NYS colleges in Gilgil, Naivasha, Nairobi and other centres before deployment to various service units across the country.
NYS Director-General Col. (Rtd) Boniface Wekesa said the recruitment drive is part of the government’s broader youth empowerment and national service agenda. “These vacancies provide structured opportunities for young Kenyans to acquire discipline, skills and patriotism while serving the nation,” Col. Wekesa stated. “We are looking for motivated, physically fit and academically qualified individuals who are ready to commit to the ideals of service, unity and hard work that define the National Youth Service.”
The advertisement specifies that applicants must be Kenyan citizens aged between 18 and 35 years, possess a minimum mean grade of D+ (plus) in KCSE for private officers and C+ (plus) for cadet officers (with higher qualifications required for specialised roles), and meet strict physical and medical fitness standards. Female and male candidates from all counties are encouraged to apply, with affirmative action considerations for marginalised groups, persons with disabilities and those from hardship areas.
Interested candidates are required to download the Application for Employment Form (PSC 2 Revised 2016) from the Public Service Commission website (www.publicservice.go.ke) and complete it in block letters. The form must be accompanied by certified copies of academic certificates, national ID, KRA PIN certificate, clearance certificates from HELB, Credit Reference Bureau, EACC, DCI and the relevant professional bodies where applicable.
Completed applications should be submitted in hard copy to the nearest NYS regional headquarters, county commissioner’s office or Huduma Centre, clearly marked “NYS Recruitment 2026” on the envelope. Online submissions are not accepted for this exercise. The deadline for all applications is March 18, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
NYS has emphasised that the recruitment process will be transparent, merit-based and free of charge. “There is no fee payable at any stage of the recruitment,” the advertisement warns. “Any person soliciting bribes or purporting to influence the process should be reported immediately to the relevant authorities.”
The vacancies come at a time when youth unemployment remains a major challenge in Kenya, with many young people seeking opportunities in disciplined services for stable employment, training and career progression. NYS, established in 1964, has historically served as a bridge between education and employment, offering vocational training, national service and discipline to thousands of recruits annually.
Successful applicants will undergo six to nine months of intensive training covering military drill, discipline, first aid, disaster response, leadership, patriotism and technical skills relevant to their trade. Upon completion, they will be deployed to support national development projects, emergency response, community service and other government initiatives.
The announcement has already generated significant interest among youth groups, vocational training centres and secondary school leavers. Career counsellors in various counties are advising students and young job seekers to prepare their documents early and meet the strict physical fitness requirements.
NYS recruitment has in the past attracted large numbers of applicants, with thousands turning up for aptitude tests, physical fitness assessments and interviews. The commission has promised to maintain fairness and transparency throughout the process, with successful candidates selected purely on merit.
As the March 18 deadline approaches, young Kenyans across the country are encouraged to download the PSC form, prepare their documents and apply promptly for a chance to serve in one of Kenya’s most respected national institutions.
