The National Youth Service (NYS) has been tasked with supervising youths recruited under the Climate Works Mtaani program.
Speaking during the 88th NYS Pass-Out Parade in Gilgil, President William Ruto said the initiative is aimed at enhancing the country’s response to climate change and environmental sustainability as Kenya races to achieve a target of 15 billion trees by 2032.
“I want to announce that the NYS will be supervising the cohort of young people that shortly we will be recruiting under our Climate Works Mtaani initiative that will bring more young people into greening the country and managing our environmental sustainability,” said Ruto.
The President directed Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi to work closely with responsible ministries in implementing the program which is set to provide employment for over 200,000 youths.
“I am instructing the minister responsible for NYS to work with the CS responsible for Environment, Housing and Defence for them to provide leadership under this initiative as we focus on growing 15 billion trees as our response to matters climate change,” Ruto directed.
The Climate Works Mtaani program will replace the Kazi Mtaani initiative which was started by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Additionally, Ruto noted that the NYS will continue making contributions to public service and national security.
He hailed transformative changes at the NYS, including an expanded intake of recruits and a sustainable business model, which have positioned the youth service as a key player in various sectors.
“The collaboration between the NYS and the University of Nairobi enterprise services has spurred growth in various sectors. Agricultural projects such as expansion of Athi River have not only increased our agricultural productivity but also positioned NYS as a key player in the edible oil market.”
