Members of the National Assembly have supported a motion that aims to expand employment for National Youth Service (NYS) graduates by placing them in security positions within government institutions and private security firms.

The motion was introduced by Kilifi County MP Gertrude Mbeyu and calls for a formal policy to guide the recruitment and deployment of NYS‑trained youths as security officers in public institutions.

Approximately 18,000 youths graduate from NYS each year, while government agencies continue to contract private security firms to supplement uniformed police protection.

Mbeyu highlighted that NYS training provides discipline, security awareness, public‑service ethics and emergency‑response skills, which could help reduce youth unemployment and strengthen security services across government bodies.

The proposed framework would require the national government to set guidelines, in line with Article 55 of the Constitution, to facilitate youth employment and give NYS graduates priority when ministries, departments and agencies recruit supplementary security staff.

It also seeks clear rules on the division of responsibilities between NYS graduates and private security firms, covering recruitment, deployment, remuneration, training and career advancement.

Kitutu Chache MP Japheth Nyakundi backed the motion, urging the government to ensure that the substantial public investment in NYS training translates into jobs for graduates.

Ol Kalou MP Sammy Douglas Waweru also supported the proposal, noting the extensive training NYS provides and calling for minimum standards for all security personnel.

Mbeere North MP Leonard Wa Muthende questioned the adequacy of short‑course training for many private guards, contrasting it with the rigorous NYS curriculum and endorsing the motion for higher standards.