Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has announced plans to introduce legislation that would make National Youth Service (NYS) training mandatory for all young Kenyans.
Speaking during a radio interview on July 30, 2026, Jalang’o emphasized that many secondary school graduates lack essential values such as self-discipline, responsibility, and practical skills needed for adulthood. He argued that compulsory six-month paramilitary training through the NYS would address these gaps before youths proceed to higher education or enter the job market.
Rationale Behind the Proposal
- Jalang’o expressed concern over a growing dependency on technology among youth, which he believes has weakened resilience and practical capabilities.
- He pointed out that many young men are overly reliant on their phones and lack life skills, which the NYS training could help improve.
- The proposed Mandatory NYS Training Bill aims to instill patriotism, discipline, and a stronger sense of national service among Kenyan youth.
Impact on Youth Development
If enacted, the bill would make NYS training a compulsory step in the transition from secondary school to universities, technical institutions, or the workforce, significantly reshaping Kenya’s youth development framework.
Background on the National Youth Service
- The NYS was established in 1964 to train young Kenyans in national matters.
- In 2019, it transitioned from a government department to a semi-autonomous state corporation under the National Youth Service Act, 2018.
- Currently, enrollment is voluntary for youth aged 18 to 24, involving six months of rigorous non-combat paramilitary training and six months of national service.
