Ruto directs NYS officers to supervise Climate Works Mtaani program

The National Youth Service (NYS) has been tasked with overseeing the Climate Works Mtaani initiative, which aims to promote environmental sustainability.

President William Ruto announced on Monday, saying the agency will be in charge of the work to be done by adolescents around the country.

"I want to announce that NYS will be supervising the cohort of young people that we will be recruiting shortly under the initiative to bring more young people into the space of greening Kenya," he said during the new cohort's pass-out parade in Gilgil, Nakuru.

The Head of State then asked the cabinet secretaries in charge of NYS, Environment, Housing, and Defence to oversee the program as the government focuses on planting 15 billion trees as part of its climate change strategy.

NYS plans to plant one billion trees by 2032.

President Ruto emphasised that the youth's completion of their training marks a key milestone in their personal and professional development.

He also stated that the government is working on ways to guarantee that more young people can benefit from the training and occupational possibilities it provides.

Ruto went on to express his delight with NYS' successful strategic alliances and economic diversification activities.

He emphasised the agency's relationship with the University of Nairobi Enterprise Services (UNES) Limited, which has resulted in growth across multiple industries.

The President further emphasised that NYS has undertaken steps to improve organisational terms of service and embrace digital transformation, resulting in more openness and efficiency in its operations.

"This commitment to accountability and service excellence is necessary because the government is committed to delivering the full value of every shilling of resources and also because the legacy of corruption and wastage which has haunted the agency is banished for good," Ruto said.

"As the nation's foremost steward of public resources, I am determined to transform the NYS into a symbol of exemplary integrity, efficiency, and commitment to national transformation," he said.

At the same time, Ruto announced intentions to begin basic firearms training for National Youth Service (NYS) officers.

He emphasised that this training would allow them to properly respond to and protect the country when needed.

The President directed the Cabinet Secretaries for the Interior, Defence, and Public Service to begin discussions about implementing this plan as soon as possible.

"The minister responsible for NYS who is here with me should in consultation with the Ministry of Defence and Interior further initiative to make sure that the paramilitary training that these young men and women go through will include a basic course in firearms," he said.