Calls to the National Government to employ graduates from the National Youth Service (NYS) intuitions dominated a public participation forum on NYS reforms in Busia on Monday.
Various speakers at a forum held in a hotel in Busia town on Monday appealed to the National Government to employ at least 60 -80 per cent of graduates from such training institutions.
They argued that graduates who were already trained in the paramilitary would be dangerous to the community especially if left idle and without any source of income.
The Commission also heard that there was a need to increase the stipend from the current Sh. 1,600 per student to Sh. 3,000 to enable beneficiaries survive in the current economy.
Participants further said that there was a need to establish a University for NYS graduates so that they can further their education.
The taskforce also heard that there was a need to consider the inter-faith in the recruitment process and the need to ensure that certificates issued to NYS graduates are recognized during the time of employment.
The participants noted that there was bias in choice of courses by beneficiaries hinting that it could be a source of corruption by some conduits because students are normally given their last choice and might be forced to beg for the first choices using money.
A section of former NYS graduates complained that stipend savings have not been given to them years after graduating from the institution.
Participants at the same time suggested that the government should set aside startup funds to enable each graduate from the institution to establish an income generating project.
The taskforce was also informed on the need to devolve the NYS in all the 47 counties so that locals can access the training in their own counties hence cutting on costs.
Participants also cited political interference as the main source of corruption especially during the recruitment exercise.
They called upon the government to ensure that the institution offers competitive courses and training so that graduates from the learning institutions become relevant in the job market.
Participants living with disability appealed to the government to consider them for training in the institutions noting that they are always left behind.
Commissioner Roseline Odede who led the taskforce team assured the local residents that all their recommendations will be taken into consideration by the former Chief Justice David Maraga-led team.
The forum brought together religious leaders, Civil Society Organizations, former NYS graduates, parents and various heads of Government Departments to give their views on NYS reforms.
By Salome Alwanda
