NYS recruitment turns away youth with with tattoos

During the National Youth Service (NYS) recruitment exercise on Tuesday, youths with tattoos were denied entry, even if they met the other qualifications.

Despite being eligible candidates, those with tattoos on their backs and shoulders were excluded from the recruitment process.

Many of the affected youths mentioned that they got tattoos while in high school, expressing regret for not foreseeing the potential consequences.

A disappointed youth shared, "I live in Thika and came here for the NYS recruitment, but it did not go as expected because I have a tattoo which has disqualified me.

I had the tattoo while I was in high school, at that time it was not a big deal, but now I see why my parents were against it."

The NYS recruitment, taking place nationwide, began on Monday, February 5, 2024, with the aim of enlisting at least 15,000 recruits.

Public Service CS Moses Kuria acknowledged that a few anomalies were reported on the first day but did not specify the nature of these issues.

He assured the public that he would address them appropriately.

"On the first day of the National Youth Service recruitment exercise that I am monitoring very closely, I'm delighted to report that the exercise kicked off on the right footing in different parts of the country. Few anomalies were reported, and I can assure all Kenyans that I will address them amicably," stated Kuria.

Having previously pledged to safeguard the rights of the children of the poor during the recruitment process, Kuria emphasized that no amount of intimidation would deter him from ensuring fairness and equality in the selection of the 15,000 slots.