West Pokot Prioritizes NYS Graduates in KWS Ranger Recruitment

WEST POKOT, Kenya — During the recent recruitment of rangers by the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) in West Pokot, graduates from the National Youth Service (NYS) were significantly favored, aligning with a national directive to prioritize their inclusion in security services. Out of 16 positions, 11 were filled by NYS graduates, with the remaining five spots going to members of the public.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Senior Assistant Director in charge of rangers’ recruitment in the region, this approach is in response to a directive from President William Ruto stipulating that 80 percent of all security recruitment should comprise NYS alumni. This policy encompasses various security bodies including the Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Wildlife Services, and Kenya Forest Service. During the recruitment exercise at Makutano Stadium, Chongwa detailed that the process reserved spots for NYS-trained individuals, including specific allocations for women.

Of the total slots, 13 were designated for men and three for women, with two of the women’s slots reserved for NYS graduates and one for a non-NYS applicant. The recruitment activities spanned across six sub-counties of West Pokot, ensuring comprehensive regional representation.

The Assistant Director highlighted the smooth execution of the recruitment process, noting that it was conducted without any disturbances or objections from the participants or public observers. He emphasized the transparency of the procedure, reassuring that it was free from any undue influence from political leaders or other external factors.

Candidates like Titus Yatich, who secured a position, remarked on the fairness of the selection process. Yatich, specifically recruited from Kipkomo sub-county as the sole NYS-trained applicant from that area, expressed his gratitude and encouraged other youths to join NYS for better prospects in government security roles. Another successful candidate, Thomas Meriareng from Pokot South Sub-County, shared his joy and the personal significance of his recruitment, highlighting the opportunities it would afford him to support his family.

David Plimo, the Chairman of the Nyumba Kumi Initiative in West Pokot County, confirmed the overall satisfaction with the recruitment exercise among both the public and the recruits. He noted that those not selected acknowledged their shortcomings in meeting the necessary requirements and accepted the decisions made.

The recruitment event concluded at 4:30 p.m., marked by its orderly and satisfactory nature, leaving both recruits and the public content with the outcome.