Gertrude Mbeyu, the female representative for Kilifi, has introduced a parliamentary motion proposing that National Youth Service (NYS) graduates assume security positions currently filled by private guards in public and private institutions. The motion seeks to provide these graduates with formal employment and clear terms, including salaries and promotion structures. It calls for criteria to allocate such roles between NYS alumni and private firms.
Gertrude Mbeyu, Kilifi's female MP, tabled a motion in Parliament urging National Youth Service (NYS) graduates to fill security roles now held by private company guards. The proposal advocates a balanced strategy to boost youth jobs via NYS while safeguarding private firms. “There is a need for a balanced strategy that promotes youth employment through structured involvement of NYS graduates, while protecting private security companies to continue operating and partnering with government institutions,” states the motion. The government would establish allocation criteria, reserving specific quotas for NYS in public bodies and select private entities. It demands transparent hiring, training, salaries, and promotion paths. Ministries and agencies must prioritize NYS graduates when hiring additional guards. Interior Ministry data shows over 2,000 registered security firms employing more than 1.3 million guards. Established in 1964, NYS trains 18- to 24-year-olds for six months in Gilgil before national assignments. About 18,000 graduate annually. The motion cites Constitution Article 55, mandating youth employment measures. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku noted plans to double NYS intake next fiscal year, though funding shortfalls—Sh10 billion allocated versus Sh23 billion requested—may delay it. Private firms currently assist police in patrols and crowd control, but the shift could impact their operations.
