Several Kenyan youths have been barred from participating in an ongoing National Youth Service recruitment drive due to tattoos and ink on their bodies.
Despite meeting the academic requirements and passing the physical fitness test for entry into the National Youth Service (NYS), these individuals were deemed ineligible solely because of their body art.
Expressing disappointment, some of the disqualified youths questioned the decision to exclude them from the recruitment process based on their tattoos. They have appealed to the authorities to reconsider this tough stance.
While authorities did not immediately provide reasons for this decision, they assured that a statement would be issued at the end of the recruitment exercise.
According information available on its website, the NYS recruits about 30,000 youth annually who are then trained in various skills such as paramilitary, engineering, fashion and design, business management, and catering.
Other skills on the menu include agriculture, secretarial, plant operation, construction, and driving. These skills are essential and prepare the youth for other national matters such as service in the armed forces, national reconstruction, and disaster response.
The current nationwide NYS recruitment, which commenced on Monday, February 05, aims to enlist a minimum of 15,000 recruits.
